Hope and Healing: How One Bread Foundation Inc. Supports DMST Refuge in Transforming Lives

Hope and Healing: How One Bread Foundation Inc. Supports DMST Refuge in Transforming Lives  

Written by: Clare Chambers, Editorial Intern  

The new year brings many resolutions to be better and inspires individuals to become more involved or continue the good work they have done in previous years. We at One Bread Foundation, Inc. are hoping to continue the good work we have been doing in raising funding and awareness for trafficking victims around the United States. We do so by partnering with many different organizations and rehabilitation centers in Texas, California, and many other states. Our hope is to expand these efforts and collaborate with organizations that help individuals affected by Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking in all 50 States. The first installment of our Organization Feature blog series aims to highlight the partnerships we currently have with organizations in various states, and who they support. 

Who is DMST Refuge?  

DMST stands for Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. DMST Refuge is a shelter in Austin, Texas that provides housing, support, and services to minors who have been victims of sex trafficking. The refuge offers a safe place to stay along with access to various resources such as counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and educational opportunities. Their goal is to help these young victims recover from their trauma and regain their independence while reintegrating them into society.  

Why Does This Matter?  

DMST Refuge provides crucial support and protection to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. These victims are abused both mentally and physically, broken down by their abusers and often think they have no way out. DMST provides them with a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives by providing essential resources and guidance, which reduces their risk of re-victimization. This support is vital for victims' recovery and future well-being.  

We at One Bread Foundation, Inc. value this partnership because DMST Refuge shares in our goals and passions to help to the victims of sex and human trafficking around the United States. America’s children are the ones most affected by this epidemic and we hope to see them safe and healthy, which is why we help fund organizations like DMST Refuge.  

How Can You Help?  

For more information about One Bread Foundation, Inc. and DMST refuge, visit our website to learn more. We also encourage you to consider making a donation to our organization. By donating on our website, you can choose to either disperse funds to where it is most needed, or your donation can be sent directly to DMST. All donations are used for the rehabilitation of sex and human trafficking victims. If you are unable to donate at this time, please consider signing up for our newsletters so you can stay up to date on the work that we are doing.  

To donate to our organization, visit: https://www.onebread.org/donate 

Veterans’ Day 2024—Honoring All Who Have Served

Written by Clare Chambers, Editorial Intern

Veterans Day is celebrated to honor those who have sacrificed their time and their lives in order to serve our country. On this day, we commemorate our veterans, both living and deceased, who have served our country for any period of time. Veterans Day is both a reminder and an acknowledgement of the duty, honor, and sacrifice that military personnel have exemplified during their time of service.

Over the years, men and women have fought valiantly to honor the sacred liberties that have contributed to our way of life in the United States of America. Americans are protected by those who choose to serve in all branches of our military. Commemorating their patriotism and willingness to protect and serve for the common good is an honor that other Americans can provide.

We at One Bread Foundation, Inc. want to personally thank and honor those who have served our country in times of war and peace. Your sacrifice is appreciated and seen by all of us.

Spooky Smart: Halloween Safety Tips and Tricks for a Fun and Safe Night

Spooky Smart: Halloween Safety Tips and Tricks for a Fun and Safe Night

Written by Clare Chambers, Editorial Intern

Halloween is a fun, spooky time for kids! Dressing up in costumes and being able to eat candy with friends causes excitement in children all around the U.S. Making sure your child is safe and secure while knocking on doors asking for candy is paramount for a parent. Some children want the independence of not having a chaperone while trick or treating with friends, while others still need that security. We have some safety tips applicable for all ages to make sure your child stays alert and ready for this eerily thrilling night.

Costume Tips:

· Create visible and notable costumes that are easily recognized.

· Consider putting reflective tape on your child’s costume to enhance visibility.

· Make sure costumes fit properly and do not restrict movement.

· Nothing should inhibit visibility.

· Shoes should fit correctly and be comfortable to walk in.

Trick or Treating Tips:

· Be in groups!

· Younger children should be accompanied by a parent, trusted adult, or older sibling even if they are with friends.

· Older children who possibly do not need a parent should still be in bigger groups, never alone.

· Check in with your kids.

· If your child has a phone, create specified times for them to check in with you.

· If they do not have a phone, tell them to ask a friend or adult present to check in.

· Have an agreed upon curfew before they leave.

· Teach Road Safety and Stranger Danger

· Make sure children know how to look before crossing the road, using stop signs and other forms of direction.

· Make sure they know not to go inside the houses or cars of people they do not know.

Halloween can be scary, but it should be a fun type of scary! This holiday should be filled with haunted houses, decorated yards and animated ghoulish props for jump scares to create laughs. Use these tips and tricks to keep your children safe on Halloween! Our goal at One Bread Foundation Inc. (OBF) is to ensure that everyone knows the dangers of sex

trafficking and to help prevent these horrific acts. We want to minimize the risk of your child being a victim this Halloween.

Keeping kids safe on Halloween is important, and here at One Bread Foundation, one of our main priorities is preventing child sex trafficking and sexual assault. Share this blog with your community and spread the word about our organization or read more about who we are using the link below. https://www.onebread.org

What Parents Need to Look Out For — Protecting Your Children from Traffickers

What Parents Need to Look Out For — Protecting Your Children from Traffickers  

Written by Clare Chambers, Editorial Intern

Dear Friends, 

In today's increasingly digital world, it has become imperative for parents to be aware of the dangers lurking online, especially when it comes to child and teen trafficking. This edition of our Community Watch Newsletter focuses on the critical steps parents can take to protect their children from exploitation, both online and offline. 

The Online Threat: Who Are They Really Talking To?  

With children spending more time on the internet than ever before, predators have found new avenues to exploit them. Traffickers often disguise themselves as friends, peers, or even influencers on social media platforms, gaming communities, and chat rooms. Their goal? To build trust with children or teens and gradually manipulate them into dangerous situations. It is essential for parents to understand that traffickers use sophisticated techniques, targeting not just marginalized kids but those from all backgrounds. 

Signs to Watch for in Online Interactions   

It is not always easy to spot a trafficker, as they are skilled in blending into seemingly innocent online spaces. However, there are red flags parents can look for: 

- Secretive behavior: Is your child being unusually secretive about their online interactions or refusing to share details about their new "friends"? 

- Excessive screen time: Are they spending an abnormal amount of time online, particularly late at night or in private? 

- Unexplained gifts or money: Has your child received unexpected gifts, money, or other items from someone they have met online? This could be a trafficker’s way of building loyalty. 

Real-life Examples: It Can Happen Anywhere 

One mother recently discovered her 14-year-old daughter had been communicating with a 35-year-old man on a popular gaming platform. After months of grooming, the trafficker had convinced her to meet him in person — a dangerous situation that was thankfully thwarted by the mother’s vigilance. These stories are far too common and highlight the need for constant awareness. 

Offline Dangers: The Importance of Knowing Your Child's Friends and Schedule   

While the internet is a significant area of concern, traffickers also target children in the real world. They might approach kids at school, in malls, or even at community events. Parents should stay informed about their child’s social circle, keep open lines of communication, and know where their children are going and who they are with. 

Awareness is Key: How to Protect Your Children  

Education is your strongest defense. Instruct your children about the risks of sharing personal information online, even with "friends." Help them understand the difference between healthy relationships and manipulative tactics used by traffickers. Monitor their online activity and use parental controls when necessary. 

Join Us in the Fight Against Child Trafficking  

We at One Bread Foundation are committed to raising awareness and providing resources to protect children from trafficking. We encourage you to stay informed, educate your children, and get involved in our mission. By joining forces, we can make our community safer for all children. 

If you feel moved to contribute to this fight, we invite you to support our efforts. Whether by volunteering, sharing this newsletter, or donating, your involvement can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to grow up safe and free from the threat of trafficking.