August 2022

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Empower: Learn & Grow

Upcoming Event - Faith-Based Addiction Recovery Providers Meeting 

Register for the Meeting Here

Relink.org is excited to announce that we will be hosting an addiction recovery meeting for faith-based providers. If you are serving anyone with a substance use disorder, you are welcome to join us.


Addiction recovery providers and advocates will come together to:


  • Foster collaboration between organizations.
  • Discuss opportunities to share the key role the faith community plays in combatting the opioid epidemic.
  • Learn about all that the Body of Christ is doing in addiction recovery throughout the state.
  • Offer encouragement throughout the community.
  • Discuss ways relink.org can support faith-based SUD providers.


Working together, we believe we can make a profound impact in our communities.


The meeting will be held on August 25 from 2:00-3:30. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email info@relink.org.

Recent Webinar - Human Trafficking: Moving Beyond Survival and Conquering Trauma

Click Here to Watch the Webinar

We had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Celia Williamson of the University of Toledo and Tracie Chandler, author and human trafficking survivor, at our most recent webinar. Dr. Williamson gave a very informative presentation about human trafficking trauma which outlined how counselors and victims of human trafficking can overcome trauma. Tracie Chandler gave a moving testimonial detailing her experience with trauma and gave examples of coping mechanisms others can use to alleviate trauma.


Please reach out to Bill Picha at wpicha@relink.org if you have any questions or would like a copy of the presentation slides.

Connect: Outreach

School-Based Outreach

Relink.org has had a surge of individuals searching for youth counseling and after-school programs in the past few months. We recently launched our Family Resources category and have had a notable amount of searches for childcare resources across Ohio.


We are starting to focus on raising awareness about relink.org in schools in the coming months. Our Community Engagement Director, Rachel Sobitz, will be visiting local schools in Northeast Ohio to share how easy it is to find much needed-resources on our website. Our database includes youth counseling, child care services, and after-school programs, making relink.org an excellent resource for students and families.


Please reach out to Rachel Sobitz at rsobitz@relink.org if you would like to schedule a presentation on relink.org at your school. Our team is available for both in-person and remote demonstrations of our website.


We look forward to expanding our reach into the school systems! 

Restore: Information

Data Tells the Story

Relink.org saw significant search utilization increases in July. Basic Needs and Reentry resources were the two highest searched categories overall with 10,602 total searches during the month.


The chart above shows the top six searched subcategories in July. Each subcategory had an increased search percentage change of over 100% compared to the previous month.


Affordable Housing continues to be one of relink.org's most highly searched subcategories. In 2022, there have been 5,697 searches for Affordable Housing, ranking third in total searches behind Food Pantries and Reentry Housing. The housing crisis continues to hurt individuals and families, and the relink.org team is committed to raising awareness for resources in Ohio.


If you know any organizations that would benefit from listing their services on relink.org, please reach out to our Statewide Data Coordinator, Bill Picha at wpicha@relink.org.

Spotlight on Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

Upcoming Event: The International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference

The 19th Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference hosted by the University of Toledo will be hosted virtually from September 21-23. Since 2004, the conference has brought together researchers, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience to foster collaboration and anti-human trafficking efforts.


All are welcome to attend the conference and share ideas. The conference has a maximum of 12 continuing education credits for social work, counseling, therapy, and several other forms of CEU.


Registration and additional information can be found here.

House of Representative Passes Pivotal Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation

The House of Representatives passed important legislation that will provide $1 billion over five years to enhance anti-human trafficking programs (Cision PR Newswire). The Smith-Bass Act will provide support for shelters, mental health resources, education, job training, and other relevant resources across the country.


The legislation will also provide $35 million for housing opportunities for human trafficking victims and help prevent trafficking of graduated foster youth (Insider NJ). It will also enhance trafficking prevention education for children by involving parents and law enforcement in awareness programs.


The legislation will now be passed to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

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