FFC local initiatives are well underway!

FFC local initiatives are well underway!

Long before FFC started, trafficking in the Northwest has been painfully evident to us. In addition to our work globally, it has always been our goal to come alongside some of the great organizations locally and join the fight against domestic child trafficking.

According to a recent study conducted by Portland State University, 469 children were reported and identified as victims of sex trafficking in Portland Oregon between 2009 and 2013, the youngest being 8 years old. It’s worth noting that this number represents only the children reported and identified. And now that our international processes are strengthening, and the learning curve to developing successful aquaponics farms and farm managers is continuing to decrease, we can put some long awaited attention to the cry of women and children in our own backyard.

Thanks to the generosity of our partner guides, sponsors, and all the good-hearted people that support Fly Fishing Collaborative, our local initiatives are now in motion.

We’ve placed our first victim into the workforce...

In partnership with the Portland-based safe home, Door to Grace, and an exciting new developing nutbutter company, Ground Up PDX, FFC has been able to help a young woman continue her journey out of exploitation and abuse to healthy and sustainable job skills. We’re proud to financially sponsor her internship with Ground Up PDX as she gains necessary skills and experience in a very positive work environment. We are thrilled to hear reports from Ground Up PDX that she is learning a ton, and leaning heavily into creating a new and better life for herself. This is money well spent!

Foster Care Initiatives

With upwards of 90% of domestic trafficking victims having a background in foster care at some point in their lives, part of our local initiative is dedicated to helpingkids currently in the foster care system; prevention is one of the best methods to rescue kids from trafficking.

To start out our new Foster Care Initiative, FFC is partnering with Portland-based Fly Fishing guide Rob Crandall, of Watertime Outfitters, to host a free Kids’ Fishing Day at John Strom Park in Oregon City. This event is open to all kids from ages 8-12, but we’re making special invitations for all the kids in the Clackamas County foster care system to attend. We’re looking forward to fun day of Shad fishing.