FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A Fresno nonprofit that has helped hundreds of survivors of human trafficking is now asking the community for help as a significant drop in donations threatens some of its critical services.
For years, Breaking the Chains has provided a safe haven for victims of human trafficking, offering support to help survivors rebuild their lives after exploitation.
“It is an organization that specifically works with victims of human trafficking,” a representative with Breaking the Chains said. “Just as an example, last year we served over 700 clients.”
Now, the organization is facing financial challenges of its own.
Leaders say donations have dropped sharply this year, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the programs survivors rely on.
“We really don’t want to cut any of our services, and we hope we don’t have to,” the Don Eskes, the Board President said.
Breaking the Chains provides a wide range of services, including long-term housing, legal advocacy, counseling, therapeutic services, and other programs designed to help survivors heal and regain independence.
The nonprofit says the need for those services continues to grow as human trafficking remains one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing criminal enterprises.
“We’ve seen so many miracles of changed lives of young people,” Eskes said. “One of the real tragedies of human trafficking is that 30% of those we serve are underage. They’re being groomed out of junior high and high school. That’s what we’re trying to address.”
While the organization typically sees donations slow during the summer months as families spend more on vacations and travel, leaders say this year’s decline has been much more severe.
“There’s a bigger drop-off this year,” Eskes said. “Part of it is because of the economic situation.”
Despite the financial challenges many families are facing, the nonprofit hopes those who are able to contribute will consider supporting its mission so it can continue providing safety, healing, and hope to survivors throughout the Central Valley.
“We can always use donations year-round because we always seem to have more need than we have resources for,” Eskes said.
In addition to financial contributions, Breaking the Chains says community members can help by volunteering, attending fundraising events, and raising awareness about human trafficking and the resources available to survivors.
“There’s opportunities to volunteer in various areas, support us by coming to our functions, and become aware,” the organization said.
Breaking the Chains says every donation and volunteer effort helps ensure survivors continue to have access to the services they need to rebuild their lives.