Join SOZO At The Run 4 ONE 5k This January

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The Sozo Initiative would like to invite everyone in the Lakeland, Florida area to participate in the 2nd annual Run 4 One on January 17th, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. around Lake Hollingsworth. Run 4 One is a 5k that exists to raise funds to help rescue and restore victims of human trafficking and is a wonderful opportunity to do your part to end modern day slavery. Runners and non-runners are welcome and it will be a chipped time race. To register to walk or run go to the official website. If you do not live locally or are unable to participate in Run 4 One you may still give by going to the registration page and clicking on the donation button. There will also be a children’s fun run.

All of the proceeds from the event will be given to their three beneficiaries listed below:

The Porch Light A division of Florida’s Baptist Children’s Homes, Porch light is the first safe house in Lakeland that is specifically created to house victims of Human Trafficking. Porch light works to help restore these girls physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Porch Light is also supported by Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.

Project Rescue Project Rescue provides physical, emotional and spiritual rescue and holistic restoration to women and children in sexual slavery. Their multifaceted programs aim to provide a safe environment for transformation and growth. Their initiatives include aftercare homes, vocational training, after-school programs, night care shelters, HIV/Aids medical clinics, red light district churches and Sunday schools, and awareness and prevention programs. Project Rescue is also supported by the Top Buttons and The Sozo Initiative.

Belbin Family. The Belbin’s are a missionary family who work in the children’s homes of Northern India. These homes are where the sons and daughters of the women working in the brothels live. Through building relationships, supporting staff, and facilitating art projects designed to bring emotional and spiritual healing, they are impacting young girls in a significant way. This year we are raising funds to provide a playground for one of the homes.

To learn more about Run 4 One visit their Facebook page

Join Us at The Porch Light's Shine A Light Weekend

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Among the three anti-human trafficking groups that Top Buttons initiative Sozo United for Freedom has partnered with, we'd like to take the opportunity to spotlight The Porch Light's own efforts to end human trafficking. The Porch Light is Lakeland, Florida’s first safe house for sex trafficked underage girls. Along with providing housing, girls are provided with education, medical care, counseling, and spiritual discipleship.  On top of that, the organization is continually taking the time to educate the public on prevention and working to change laws surrounding this issue.

Sozo United for Freedom wants to invite everyone in the Lakeland, Florida area to join us in shining a light on human trafficking during Porch Light’s Shine a Light fundraiser weekend. If you desire to do your part to help end human trafficking we ask you to join the Top Buttons team on the weekend of the 24th.

The Shine a Light weekend events include the following:

Shine a Light 5k

Friday, October 24 at 6:30pm Lake Hollingsworth 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland $30 – after October 3 Register under team top buttons

Shine a Light Festival

Saturday, October 25 from 10am – 1:00pm First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland FREE

Shine a Light Gala

Saturday, October 25 at 6:00pm • Florida Southern College Branscomb Auditorium 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland $50 – tickets include a performance featuring internationally-renowned recording artist Jason Castro, a former contestant on American Idol.

Regardless of whether or not you live in the area, there are several more ways to get involved with the porch light, from financial donations, to volunteering your time.  To learn more about the porch light and ways you can get involved visit The Porch Light's home page.

Sozo encourages you to find ways in your local community to get involved and do your part to end human trafficking. Perhaps there is an anti-human trafficking organization where you live where you can volunteer your time.  On the other hand, if you are already involved in ending modern slavery, we would love to hear from you and what you are doing to help end this issue!