Spring 2013 - The Bridge to Hope

celebrating
Hope and Freedom
Spring Newsletter 2013
“I want to thank everyone at The Bridge to Hope for helping me at one of the most vulnerable times in my life.
You have shown me and my children that there are people who truly care, and I will always be grateful.”
Human Trafficking in Western Wisconsin?
-2012 shelter client
Human trafficking, a form of modern slavery, is happening around
the world, in the United States, and here in rural Wisconsin. It
takes various forms: a 16 year old run-away girl being sold for sex
at truck stops, a 15 year old boy kicked out of his home by his
family doing what he has to do to survive, a woman from Mexico
working on a dairy farm and not allowed to leave. Wisconsin has
an active human trafficking pipeline with victims along I-94, in
Wisconsin Dells, and teens from Northern Wisconsin lured with
promises of a better life in a bustling city.
The Bridge to Hope has provided services to human trafficking victims over the years. One victim we helped was an 18
year old woman who had been brought here from a different country to work in a restaurant. She was sexually assaulted
her first night in the “home” the workers were lodged in. She somehow escaped, and we were called in by our local
hospital. She did not speak a word of English. Our Sexual Assault Advocate met her at the hospital for a forensic exam,
and The Bridge provided services to her until the FBI got involved and re-located her to a different part of the country
where she had relatives.
One of the frustrations in providing services to victims of human trafficking is that they oftentimes do not think of themselves as victims. They do not see a poster offering services to victims of human trafficking and think, “That’s me.”
They may blame themselves, feel ashamed and embarrassed, be mired in alcohol or drug abuse (oftentimes with the
encouragement of their abuser) or feel they are too far gone to change. They may feel that they are worthless, and have
no reason to think they could have a different kind of life. They are without hope, and they live in fear.
Runaway teens, those kicked out of the foster care program as soon as they turn 18, or teens whose families have told
them to move out are especially vulnerable to human trafficking. They may be scared and desperate. Pimps will haunt
shopping malls and street corners on the look-out for them. They seek them out, make promises, offer them love and
affection and a place to stay. The victim soon finds there are strings attached, and if they don’t go along and agree to
what the “rescuer” tells them to do, they are beaten, sexually assaulted, or confined. Food may be withheld, and they
may be isolated until they stop pretesting.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 protects victims of sex trafficking as well as trafficking for labor or
services. If you see any indications of human trafficking please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center
hotline at 1-888-3737-888. The Bridge to Hope can provide emergency shelter and food, as well as personal assistance
and legal help to any victim here in Dunn or Pepin County. By working together, we can end the suffering and pain of
human trafficking.
-Naomi Cummings, Executive Director
“Freedom from fear could be said to sum up the whole philosophy of human rights.”
Dag Hammarskjold
the bridge to hope - SPRING 2013 | 1
Talk to your kids about the dangers
of online video chatting
It’s becoming increasingly more common for teens to interact with total strangers via video chat websites (such as
chatroulette) and other forms of social media. Most teens believe that there is no danger in interacting with someone
from across the country, but that is just not true. Oftentimes these chats become sexual in nature and can even be
recorded by the person on the other end and used in ways the teen is not aware of. It’s important that we talk to our
pre-teens/teens about the emotional and psychological harm such acts can cause. Here are some tips on how to have
the discussion, written by Mike Domitrz, the founder of the Date Safe Project:
 Ask your child how often they think this happens.

Introduce the topic by mentioning an actual news story.
Avoid over reacting and assuming that every teenager is using video chat websites.

Ask your child WHY he/she believes some of their peers may use this kind of website.
Be prepared to provide other avenues teens can use for addressing these feelings and/or urges.

Share all the risks involved for TEENAGERS on these websites. Do NOT focus on your child.
Sons and daughters hate being talked to like they’ve done something they haven’t.
“When you opened your doors to us, you also opened a whole new world for us and for that, I am forever
grateful. The “Bridge to Hope” is aptly named, it truly was our bridge to hope.”
-2012 shelter client
In Memory of
Beverly Dettman
Congratulations to our new
Board of Director’s Officers!
Chair
Tracy Glenz
Vice Chair
Kathy Markham
We were recently saddened to hear of the passing of Beverly
Dettman. Beverly was a faithful volunteer and supporter of
The Bridge, back in the days when it was called “West Central
Domestic Abuse Project.” We have received memorials in her
name from the following friends and relatives:
Albert and Sydell Schunkewitz
Timothy and Susan Wegner
Mary Ann Engel
L.W. and Cindie K. McCallum
James and Mallory Mezvinsky
Michael and Ginger Coral
Harold and Doris Osborn
Christine and Tom Shields
Clark and Mary Malmer
Thank you for honoring her memory by making donations in
her name. Her spirit will continue to shine.
Treasurer
Dana Brunstrom
Secretary
Leana Stewart
Thank you to our friends, families and to our community
for your generous donations in 2012.
We are so grateful for your support!
Your kindness has helped 650 men, women and
children in 2012 see a bright future,
free from violence. Thank you.
SPRING 2013 | 2
The Bridge to Hope, WAXX 104.5, Country Jam USA and WESTconsin Credit Union Present:
Karaoke Cocktails
April 26th, 2013—Pioneer Grill & Saloon
Raffles
WIN TRIPS TO:
Karaoke Contest
$25 registration
Register at WAXX.com
1st place: $500 CASH
2nd place: 3-day Country Jam passes
3rd place: 1-day Country Jam passes
Contest 8-10:30PM
Aruba
Atlantis, Bahamas
Atlantis Casino and Spa, Reno
Country Jam USA - 2 Three Day Passes with
Tent Camping and Country Club
No Cover Charge
April 18th
Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser
Pioneer Grill & Saloon, 5-9PM
WIN OTHER PRIZES:
Wisconsin Dells Package
Signed Green Bay Packers Football
Milwaukee Bucks Tickets
4 Minnesota State Fair Ticket Package
MORE!
Operation: Prom Dress
Want a beautiful dress for an affordable price? The Bridge to Hope is here to help!
April 5th, 5-7PM
Keyes Chevrolet Community Room
Snacks and Drinks Provided!



*Donations of prom and bridesmaids dresses can be
dropped off at The Bridge through March 22nd.
Come purchase a lovely dress at rock bottom prices.
Learn how to create an easy and fun up-do
Get great make-up tips from an Avon Representative
Prom should be fun, but it should also be safe. Staff from the Bridge to Hope will also be there to
give information on how to have a wonderful, safe and violent free night!
the bridge to hope - SPRING 2013 | 3
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Menomonie, WI
Permit No. 313
The Bridge to Hope
P.O. Box 700
Menomonie, WI
Dunn and Pepin Counties’ Provider of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy
To current resident or:
Providing a bridge to hope that creates a safer, more just and compassionate society.
If you or someone you love is being abused call The Bridge to Hope’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at
(715) 235-9074 or TEXT (715) 308-9110
1901 South Broadway
www.thebridgetohope.org
Menomonie, WI 54751
[email protected]
1-800-924-9918
“I was convinced I would not be able to start my children’s and my life over again. I assumed we would
be outside alone in the middle of winter. Having a safe and positive atmosphere for my children during
this awful time was my number one concern and seeing my children open up to your staff and feel
comfortable to play and talk, gave me such hope.” -2012 shelter client
Upcoming Events - Hope to see you there!
April
5th: Operation Prom Dress @ Keyes Chevrolet, 5-7PM
10th: SAAM* Display and “Searching for Angela Shelton” @ UW-Stout Memorial Center, 7PM
13th: Waterfront Benefit @ The Waterfront Bar & Grill
18th: Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser @ Pioneer Grill & Saloon, 5-9PM
20th: Take Back the Night @ Raw Deal
26th: Karaoke & Cocktails @ Pioneer Grill & Saloon, 5-10:30PM
*Sexual Assault Awareness Month