A.C.T. United (Anti Child Trafficking) is a 501c3 non profit organization based out of Carver County, Minnesota, USA. We began in 2015 compelled to fill a gap in anti trafficking efforts by launching a unique, bold model of prevention. With space donated by a local church, we opened the doors, and filled the sanctuary hosting our first “Juvenile Sex Trafficking: Community Awareness to Action” event. We brought three things that were missing equal representation, in an already effective and growing movement to end human trafficking: a strong model of prevention for youth, the inclusive story of who is impacted by this health and human crisis, and a strong message and method of UNITY! As friends and partners, you have heard us say more than once…
“We will not end the sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth by responding to it, we end it by getting ahead of it in prevention!”
MEET THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
|
With 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in youth outreach, domestic and foreign missions, and as a Police Officer, Jessica brings firsthand information and experience to the issues of child and teen sexual exploitation, abuse, and sex trafficking.
Jessica is an engaging, passionate speaker who will leave you not just informed of the facts of juvenile sex trafficking, but inspired to take action by her message that “UNITED WE WIN.” “I take my hindsight and make it your foresight for the protection of children, youth, and families” – Jessica |
MEET THE BOARD
Dawn Peterson
Board Chair
|
I am a mom to three amazing boys, Connor, Cooper and Cash. Connor has been blessed with an incredible gift of creativity and is a fantastic artist. Cooper plays football and basketball and would like to be a Police Officer when he grows up. Cash is an old soul with a tender heart and is a swimmer. We spend a lot of time at practices and meets or games. I love watching my boys grow into who they are. I am a local REALTOR® with eXp Realty and I am also a proud Homes for Heroes affiliate.
I have witnessed the impact of sexual exploitation on youth! My heart breaks for youth that have been exploited and/or trafficked. Childhood is supposed to be safe and carefree. My passion and beliefs align with ACT United to speak life into youth and confirm that they are valuable and loved. Having frequent, open, and honest conversations with youth about what is happening in society and how certain actions may negatively impact them or put them in harm's way is important. If harm occurs, I want every youth to know to keep telling a trusted adult until someone believes you. |
Jessica Bartholomew
Executive Director
|
With 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in youth outreach, domestic and foreign missions, and as a Police Officer, Jessica brings firsthand information and experience to the issues of child and teen sexual exploitation, abuse, and sex trafficking.
Jessica is an engaging, passionate speaker who will leave you not just informed of the facts of juvenile sex trafficking, but inspired to take action by her message that “UNITED WE WIN.” “I take my hindsight and make it your foresight for the protection of children, youth, and families” – Jessica |
Beth Johnson
Treasurer and Secretary
|
Beth Johnson brings over 25 years of financial expertise and leadership to her board position at ACT United. She is currently Controller of The Toro Company’s Agriculture business in El Cajon, CA which provides micro-irrigation systems to farmers across both North and South America. Prior to that, Beth has held roles in Business Development, Distribution Analysis, Corporate Accounting, and Financial Planning & Analysis within The Toro Co., Best Buy Co. and SUPERVALU, Inc.
Beth has been fully invested in the fight against human trafficking for the past three years, developing church programs, hosting awareness events and supporting local restoration homes. She attended her first ACT United event in February of 2017, and has volunteered in various capacities since, supporting the focus on youth who are our future. She also shares a passion for helping raise awareness about the boys and men who are involved in any aspect of this issue, perpetrator, buyer or survivor, as they get lost in society’s false expectations of who they are “supposed to be”. Beth has had the joy of raising three beautiful children to adulthood and looks forward to watching them grow into passionate justice fighters of their own. |
MEET THE TEAM
Saysha Boike
Director of Outreach and missions
|
I am a mom to a beautiful, smart, and courageous 5 year old daughter, Noelle. She enjoys time with family, playing at the park, swimming at the beach, making new friends, and is starting soccer and swim lessons.
2 years ago, I made a very courageous decisions myself to leave a well paid position in the corporate sector to pursue my life passion and joy of serving kids and teens. I started as a teachers aide while going back to school to get my teaching certificate. I am now a teacher at a Christian Pre School to an amazing diverse class of littles! I also am the part time, volunteer Director of Outreach and Missions for A.C.T. United. As a teenager I experienced both physical and sexual abuse and was almost trafficked at the age of 17. I was a teenage girl who had lost her identity, value and worth. It is because of these experiences that I am passionate about bringing a message of value, worth and hope for the future to children and teens through my role at A.C.T. United! I believe in the power of prevention! |