News Release: 1/6/2026

SURVIVOR-LED PANEL EVENT RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT ENDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN LANCASTER AND BERKS COUNTIES  

Lititz, Pennsylvania, January 6, 2026. Since 2010, North Star Initiative (NSI) has led the movement to end human trafficking in the region. NSI, a non-profit that works in both Berks and Lancaster Counties and provides housing and restoration programming for trafficking survivors, will host a panel event on January 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at LCBC in Ephrata.  

For the first time, this annual event will feature a panel led entirely by professionals with lived experience. These survivor leaders will equip audience members with current facts about the trafficking issue and insights into how we can protect our community from exploitation. “This event is for everyone who wants to understand realities about trafficking and get involved in efforts to eradicate this crime,” says NSI’s CEO, Melinda Clark. “By working together, we can become a community that is trafficking-proof.” 

While the event is free, attendees are asked to register at northstarinitiative.org/events. Attendees have the option to purchase a $15 ticket and receive complimentary apparel and merchandise. Along with learning from the panel’s expertise, attendees will enjoy light refreshments, access to multiple local anti-trafficking organizations, and the opportunity to shop at Florissant Collective, North Star Initiative’s social enterprise that empowers survivors to pursue their dreams.  

January is recognized by the US Department of Health & Human Services as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Throughout the month, NSI is sponsoring a series of ads and talks to educate the community to recognize warning signs and prevent exploitation.  North Star Initiative’s staff members are available throughout the year to provide free awareness and education events to local businesses, churches, organizations, and agencies throughout Lancaster and Berks counties.   

Key Details:  

• Event Title: Welcome to the Battle  

• Date: January 29, 2026 

• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  

• Location: LCBC Ephrata, 6 Hahnstown Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522 

Contact: 

Melinda Clark, CEO, North Star Initiative 

717-568-2700 

Mclark@northstarinitiative.org 

About North Star Initiative   

Since 2010, North Star Initiative (NSI) has battled human trafficking in Lancaster County and Berks County (formerly as F.R.E.E.) through education, advocacy, and survivor care. Their 12-month restoration program, offered at the Harbor in Lancaster County, has provided a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment since 2017. Residents receive individualized therapy, classes, and services necessary for holistic healing. NSI is also a member of the Lancaster and Berks Human Trafficking Task Forces and provides emergency shelter for survivors referred by law enforcement or government agencies. To date, NSI has cared for more than 100 survivors, investing in their transformative journeys with comprehensive therapy, medical and dental care, legal aid, education, and vocational training.