Bakersfield officials and anti-trafficking advocates are launching a new public awareness effort after 17 arrests were reported last month as part of a statewide anti-trafficking and prostitution operation.

RELATED: 17 arrested in Bakersfield human trafficking operations, 17-year-old victim rescued

CityServe announced today it is launching an anti-human trafficking campaign called ‘Project Rescue,’ aimed at bringing awareness and giving the public information to identify and respond to suspected cases of human trafficking.

Ofelia Flores, who refers to herself as a survivor of human trafficking, said she wants to share her story to support other victims and motivate them to seek help.

“When I grew up, there were no resources. I got a probation officer. I didn’t get a social worker. I didn’t get a therapist. I got a probation officer,” Flores said.

Flores said collaborative efforts in Kern County, including CityServe and the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, have helped people identify victims. She said the increased attention has also helped survivors feel more comfortable speaking publicly.

“There are survivors like us that can actually come out and tell our story because it’s not shamed away. It’s talked about now,” Flores said.

As part of Project Rescue, 10 GET buses will be wrapped with banners containing the National Human Trafficking Hotline and emergency help numbers in both English and Spanish. Flores called it a good start.

Dustin Contreras of the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking said more work remains.

“Obviously, there are gaps in how human trafficking is addressed. And Kern County, historically, didn’t pay attention to those gaps. That’s why the coalition was created. To expose those gaps and to address them in a partnership type of way,” Contreras said.

Contreras also emphasized the need to recognize and prevent labor trafficking.

“You’ve heard that we may start drilling again, here in Kern County. When the oil industry comes, human trafficking cases rise. And, that’s the black and white of it. It happens no matter what,” he said.

Separately, Red Bucket Day takes place April 10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Compassion Corner, as well as Hodel’s and Sully’s Chevron on Stockdale and Coffee. Breakfast burritos will be for sale at Compassion Corner, with presale available by calling (661) 501-3796.