A group of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church members have joined together to raise the awareness of human trafficking in the state and in the Ripon Community calling themselves (RAFT) “Ripon Awareness – Fighting Trafficking.”

In January Ripon residents Nicole Rose and Kimberly De Jong attended a Freedom Summit in the City of Fremont put on by the Anti-trafficking Coalition.  De Jong said that those attending the seminar were challenged to return home and feel encouraged and informed while following through in the effort.

Both De Jong and Rose have been working independently to raise awareness.  They had supported the effort, working on a campaign to pass Proposition 35 – the California law that has increased penalties for human trafficking last fall.  

RAFT has scheduled its first event on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the First Christian Reformed Church.  The workshop is by invitation only and geared to community leaders to provide them with answers to the questions of human trafficking – where it is and what can be done.

The involved churches are First Christian Reformed Church, Heartland Community Church and Immanuel Christian Reformed Church.  Other Ripon churches are expected to join the group as well as individuals interested in the effort.

Speakers will include a Ripon Police Officer and Kathy Wilson, a representative of New Day for Children – a shelter for rescued Northern California girls.  Another informational event is scheduled in the Fall.

The committee is made up of Lori Van Duyn, Paul and Diane Brenner and Kimberly De Jong.

Anyone wanting more information on RAFT may call Kimberly De Jong at 605-5746.