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The meeting today welcomed back a speaker from last year, Jenna Bruce. Jenna is now a full-fledged District 5280 Rotarian and soon to be President of the District 5280 Rotarians Fighting Human Trafficking.
Jenna began by reminding us of her story when as an 11-year-old she became involved with an on-line meeting of a man named Henry who was in the US Navy. Being 11 years old she was easily influenced by his charm and caring that when he persuaded her to use drugs, she did. When Henry returned from service, he set up meetings with Jenna having her attend adult parties, use drugs and be trafficked. Where were her parents?? Good question as Jenna from the age of 11 to 14 was a human trafficked victim. She lost considerable weight, was sneaking out at night to be with Henry (she was addicted now to the drugs) so tired during the day, and no one noticed. Not her teachers, her friends or, her family.
At age 14 when she became ill and had to be hospitalized the truth came out and she “escaped” being trafficked any longer. Sadly, though on many levels, she was aware of even younger children who were being trafficked by this man and, when he was finally arrested served very little time. When he got out of jail, he went right back to his nasty ways trafficking children and was arrested again. He received what I consider, and I think many others do as well, a very light sentence. Jenna has no doubt when he gets out once again, he will go back to his old ways.
Jenna is now a happy, healthy and a very involved survivor. Unfortunately, however, her relationship with her parents is suffering as they refuse to take any responsibility for what happened to their daughter. Hopefully, this will change in the future.
In the meantime, if you see or hear about someone being trafficked call 1-888-373-7888 to report it or, get involved and volunteer with any number of organizations including Rotary District 5280, the Salvation Army, the LA Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, etc., in getting laws changed and helping to save hundreds of thousands of peoples lives including those of children.
Blessings to Jenna and huge thank you for sharing your story and continuing to fight this horrific practice.
President Steve ended the meeting with a quote from President John F. Kennedy who died 60 years ago on this day: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
Thanks to PP Ed Jackson for leading the pledge today; PP Chris Gaynor for greeting; David Stover for his Thought of the Day, and, PP Ed Gauld for singing, “We Gather Together” in honor of Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
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