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January 24, 2025: Issue 2

Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in

Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.

Human Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking - It Happens Here


When envisioning a rural community like ours, human sexual exploitation and trafficking (SET) may not come to mind for most. The common misconception is that it's only a problem in urban areas. However, in rural human trafficking cases, 74% are victims of sex trafficking, while the remainder are associated with labor trafficking. 

The Administration for Children and Families has designated January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/). SET is a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to engage in commercial sex.  When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion involved (https://www.state.gov/what-is-trafficking-in-persons/).


Rural Risk and Vulnerability Factors

The risk factors associated with rural human trafficking include prior physical or sexual abuse, drug misuse, and economic problems. Rural victims are commonly women and girls, minors, runaways, and temporary visa holders. Below are several factors unique to rural areas that create vulnerabilities for trafficking: (https://amuedge.com/author/jsadulski/, https://someplacesafe.info/human-trafficking-in-rural-communities/).

  • Familial recruitment - Family or intimate partners often recruit survivors in rural areas.
  • Isolation - Survivors are typically geographically isolated, making accessing services and support harder. 
  • Rural poverty - Fewer job opportunities create more willingness to trade sex for basic needs and drugs.
  • Intersection with drug use - Traffickers may use forced drug dependency for the purpose of SET.
  • The trafficker is often known to the victim - In a small community, the human trafficker may be the victim’s neighbor, classmate’s uncle, or someone that everyone in town knows and respects.
  • Stigma - Trafficked people are often stigmatized both due to exploitation and because they frequently know their trafficker, both of which make disclosure very difficult.
  • Lack of awareness - It’s easier for traffickers to operate where people generally are less aware of or underestimate the threat of trafficking.


Indicators of Human Trafficking

Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking.

  • Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
  • Has a child stopped attending school?
  • Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
  • Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
  • Is the person disoriented or confused or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
  • Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
  • Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
  • Does the person show signs of being denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
  • Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to control the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
  • Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
  • Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
  • Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
  • Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?


Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

Local Resources


The flyer below provides the resources and contact information for services in our area. Several of these organizations are part of the SET Workgroup, jointly facilitated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Opioid Task Force, which collaborates to combat sexual exploitation and human trafficking in our communities, raising awareness, building partnerships, and providing essential support services for those who experience SET. 

Further, in support of January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, please join us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2 PM - 3 PM, as Dr. Abigail Judge returns to Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region to discuss "Substance Use Disorder, Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking: Current Research and Trends." You can register for this free event here

Dr. Judge developed a nationally recognized model dedicated to supporting women at the intersection of opioid use disorder and the commercial sex trade by building long-term relationships that support women’s unique goals during active addiction and exploitation, determined through their own agency. She has partnered with organizations here in our community and presented on several occasions locally about this important topic. 


Overall, rural human trafficking presents unique challenges that make its detection significantly more difficult than in urban areas. By working together, our rural communities can create a network of support that helps to identify and protect survivors while also holding traffickers accountable for their crimes. Through increased awareness, education, and collaboration, we are building a safer and more resilient community where sexual exploitation and human trafficking have no place


Karen Carmona

Program Associate

Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region

UPCOMING EVENTS

See what's happening at OTF this month.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Explore OTF's COVID-19 Resource Guide.


Franklin County/North Quabbin 2024-2025 Winter Response Resources for Unhoused Individuals

Click here

MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE

Hope is here. Get help.

413Cares

Resources for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Click here.

NQCC'S Newsletter

Resources and upcoming events in the North Quabbin Region.

Click here.


CONNECTIONS #86

Find local resources in this issue.

NEED NARCAN?

Click here to email for Narcan.

Emergency Services Resources for Unhoused Individuals

Click here.


The PACES CONNECTION

Click here for resources

Grayken Center for Addiction

Training & Technical Assistance

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

GCC Community Engagement and Workshop Events

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

Rural SUD Info Center

Click here for resources.

OTF Members in the News

Food Pantry Seeks Solutions to Make Up $50K Loss of funding

Greenfield Recorder 1/3/25

With the towns of Shelburne and Buckland shifting the focus of their Community Development Block Grants to housing, the West County Food Pantry operated by Community Action Pioneer Valley will be facing a $50,000 budget deficit and looking for creative financing solutions come next fall.


The pantry is fully funded through the end of the fiscal year and services are expected to continue as normal for the 126 families the pantry feeds each month, in addition to the thousands fed at the Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Center for Self-Reliance in Greenfield and the dozens of meals delivered to residents, according to Director of Community Services Frances Hall. But even beyond the June 30 end of fiscal year 2025, Community Action is prepared to maintain services and is eyeing grant opportunities to bridge that gap. “We don’t predict any immediate changes,” Hall said. “We’re committed to serving that community the best we can.”


It costs roughly $350,000 each year to operate the food pantry in Shelburne Falls, according to Cheo Ramos, manager of both the Center for Self-Reliance in Greenfield and the West County Food Pantry, which is housed at Cowell Gymnasium on Maple Street. The pantry is funded through numerous sources, including state and federal contracts and grants, donations and contributions from municipalities.


The towns of Buckland and Shelburne had been allocating $25,000 each from their Community Development Block Grants, awarded through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. However, with the most recent grant cycle, both towns have shifted their focus to supporting affordable housing projects.


“Now that Buckland has transitioned its Community Development Block Grant applications from infrastructure projects to housing rehab, and the Franklin County [Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority] is managing our CDBG applications, there is not a component of the food pantry in the last round of funding we received,” Buckland Town Administrator Heather Butler explained during a Dec. 10 Selectboard meeting. “Shelburne has taken a similar approach and is not funding the food pantry either. “It was not an intended consequence,” Butler added. “We all made the decision to transition our funding initiatives, but we also know a lot of residents rely on that and we don’t want to see it go away.” She added that Massachusetts General Law prohibits municipalities from allocating taxpayer funds to non-profits, so the town is unable to include the funds for the pantry in its general budget.


“We want to keep the food pantry open, but how we do it, with what funds and for how long, that might be the bigger question,” Butler said. Buckland Selectboard members agreed they would like to help the food pantry and would explore funding options, but wanted to ensure the pantry would be able to become self-sustaining. They agreed to investigate options and work with the pantry on a transition plan, weaning the pantry off town funds. “Anything we can do to keep it would be in the best interest of the town, but at some point our funding is going to be gone,” said Selectboard Chair Clint Phillips.


Hall emphasized that Community Action has no plans to close the pantry and the organization will do everything it can to keep its doors open without financial support from Shelburne or Buckland. She added that Community Action is incredibly grateful for the support it has received from the towns over the years. The loss of the funding will be difficult for the pantry, but Hall is confident that Community Action will persevere and find other sources that will allow them to maintain the pantry’s current hours on Wednesdays. Community Action staff will seek grants to bridge the gap and are always accepting donations.


Ramos noted that both volunteering and donations spiked during the pandemic and have decreased since. Community Action appreciates every donation, especially cash donations as the pantry can stretch dollars further when purchasing food in bulk. Community Action is planning a fundraiser for February and will announce more details as the event approaches.


Staff File Photo/Paul Franz

UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS

Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee

February 3, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Franklin County Reentry Center

106 Main Street, Greenfield

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup

February 5, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Treatment & Recovery Committee Meeting

February 7, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force

February 10, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Zoom details here.


Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup

February 10, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Franklin County Reentry Center

106 Main Street, Greenfield

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee

February 11, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: CAM Workgroup

February 11, 2025

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Methadone Workgroup

February 13, 2025

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Zoom details here.

.

Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee

February 14, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Building a Resilient Community Workgroup

February 19, 2025

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee Meeting

March 14, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!

FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Click here for Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services

Time Sensitive Announcements

Now Through March 15th - Register for a Free Tree

January 24 4th Friday Films

January 24 Popcorn and Pajama Movie Night

January 24 & 25 It's Not the Muppet Movie - It's - THE MUPPETS

January 25 Stone Soup Cafe Menu

January 25 The Bohemians of Turners Falls

January 25 Manifestation Jars


January 26 Book Club at Erving Public Library

January 27 Movement & Milestones

January 27 Intro To Sensory Processing

January 28 Rock Painting

January 28 All-Abilities Social - Build a Bird Feeder

January 28 - February 25 Grandparents Raising Teens

January 29 Puzzle Building

January 29 History Kids Program

January 30 Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training

You can register for one or more of the trainings by clicking here.

January 30 Substance Use Disorder, Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking: Current Research and Trends with Dr. Abigail Judge

You can register for this free event here.

January 30 Storytime with Mya and Winston

January 30 ASL: Learn to Sign with Young Children

January 30 Practical Magic Series

January 30, February 6 & February 13 Touchpoints Training

January 31 Greenfield's Polar Playground Winter Carnival Events

January 30 - February 3 The Garden Cinema presents Winter Carnival Specials

January 31 - February 2 Polar Playground

Beacon Field Events

February 1 Greenfield's Polar Playground Winter Carnival Events

February 1 Winter Sowing Native Plants

February 1 Mother Tongue

February 2 Greenfield's Polar Playground Winter Carnival Events

February 4 Library Greenscapes: Cultivating Climate Resilience, Community, and Learning Outdoors

February 4 Imagination Station Drop-In Craft

February 4 - April 23 Nurturing Fathers

February 6 Ski United

February 10 Greenfield Healing Clinic

February 11 Supper for Six 2025

February 14 Office Hours with State Representative Aaron Saunders

February 15 Division One Men's College Hockey with Erving Recreation

February 15 Arc-A-Palooza

February 21 Loving Your Recovery Event

February 25 Opioid Settlement Community Forum

February 27 - May 22 Parenting Journey

Save The Dates: April 16 & 17, 2025

Together For Hope: Shaping the Future of Addiction Care

Click here to be notified when registration opens or to receive updates.

Save The Date: May 30, 2025

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

9th Annual Regional Gathering


MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS

Brick House

Community Action Family Center

Erving Senior Center

Franklin County Reentry Center

Great Falls Discovery Center

Greenfield Public Library Children's Programs

LifePath Healthy Living 2025 Winter Workshops

Montague Public Library Programs

North Quabbin Recovery Center

The Art Garden

The RECOVER Project

Salasin Project

Shea Theater

Union 28 Community Network for Children Program Calendar

SNAP Application Assistance

Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield

What's Happening at The NQRC

Weekdays All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center

Monday - Friday

Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders

Mondays Breathwork Detox-Guided Group Adventure

Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council

Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County Reentry Center

Mondays Art Guild Meetings

Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin

Mondays Community Yoga at Wildflower Alliance

Mondays Recovery Through Creativity

Mondays CNC Playgroup at the Erving Public Library

Second Mondays - North Quabbin B.R.R.A.V.V.E. Task Force Meeting

Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group

2nd and 4th Mondays Parenting Together at the Brick House

Third Monday Alphabet & Allies

Third Monday Parenting With Pride

Mondays and Thursdays Hygiene Supplies Pick Up at the Brick House

Mondays and Thursdays The Brick House Food Pantry

Tuesdays All Recovery Meeting and Drop In Recovery Coach Support

Tuesdays Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery

Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle

Every Other Tuesday - Housing Support Drop In Hours

First Tuesday - Dads' Group

Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In

Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour

Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group

First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force

Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions

Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups

Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group

Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group

Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia

Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian

Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC

Wednesdays Health Connector & Mass Health Navigator Drop In Hours

First Wednesday Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jennifer

First Wednesday - Money Wise Financial Education Sessions

Second Wednesday - Whatever Wednesday's

Third Wednesday - Fatherhood Meetup

Last Wednesday - Office Hours With An Attorney

Thursdays January - March Bilingual Music & Movement

First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group

Thursdays Mens Group in the RPX

Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House

Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish

Thursdays Windows and Mirrors Playgroup

Second Thursdays -Peer Grief Support After Overdose Death

Second Thursdays North Quabbin Housing Task Force

Third Thursdays Court Service Center Walk-in Days at the North Quabbin Patch

Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County

Fridays January 10 - February 28 Beyond Trauma: A Healing Journey

First Friday - Open Mic at the RECOVER Project

Fridays - The Garden Path

MassHealth Navigation Support

First Friday from 9am-12pm and Third Friday from 1pm - 3pm

First & Third Friday Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

Second Friday Wound Care Clinic with Amy Pierno

Second Friday Chosen Family Night

Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project

Respite Care and/or Funding for Respite Care

Psychological Testing & Evaluation at Gandara Center

Community Support Program & Recovery Support Navigator at Gandara Center

Gandara Center Outpatient Services

Free Hypnosis Sessions With Certified Hypnotist Jenn Avery

RAFT Assistance

Re-entry Workforce Program

Homeshare Program with LifePath

Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing

Specialized HVAC Training

Specialized Information Technology Training

Support & Resources After the HEALing Communities Study

Learn more at HealTogetherMA.org

SafeSpot Virtual Overdose Spotting Hotline

CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information

Free Clothes and Gear

Free English Classes

Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall

Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program

Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages


MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.

You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.

What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.

An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.

The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE

How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late.  You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.

A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.

A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case. 

A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.

How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.

If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.

How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.

How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.

How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.

How to ask the court to pay for court costs. 

How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!

How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.

A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.



Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change

Beginning Tuesday, 9.3.24, the Greenfield Court Service Center (CSC)services will be in-person and remote: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm; 2pm-4:30 pm, and Fridays, 8:30-1pm.


For ANY/ALL REMOTE REQUESTS, please contact the Virtual Court Service Center, M-F 9am -2pm, if you do not have an emergency. You can reach them for an intake, Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, by Zoom video or telephone as outlined below:


https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140 or Dial (646) 828-7666. Enter the Meeting ID number 1615261140 and then press # #. 


If you have an emergency, and still need remote services, have the court department reach out directly to Greenfield CSC office by email for assistance at greenfieldcsc@jud.state.ma.us.

COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org

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