Thousands of at-risk children are targeted and trafficked every day in all areas of the world, and a local organization is doing something about it.

ZOE International is a local Santa Clarita based organization that is devoted to combating child trafficking in Thailand.

“Our main focus is to spread the gospel of the love of God to the nations and demonstrate that love by saving orphans and rescuing children from human trafficking,” said Betsy Meenk, ZOE International U.S. Regional Director.

The organization uses a three pronged approach to saving victims of trafficking that include prevention, intervention and aftercare.

By educating communities about who is susceptible to traffickers and their tactics, ZOE hopes to build awareness and empower people to act when confronted with a possible trafficking situation.

ZOE is also involved with forms of government and is an active member of Thailand’s Multi-Disciplinary Task Force.

Bringing healing and wholeness to children who have been abused is one thing that the organization strives for.

“We help them feel safe, know they are loved unconditionally and give them room to grow to become contributing members of society through education.” Meenk said.

Mike and Carol Hart founded the organization after hearing about what was happening to trafficked children in 2002.

The Harts established their 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Santa Clarita then picked up and moved to Thailand.

According to the ZOE International website, in 2003 the ZOE Children’s Home was launched with 47 at-risk children and by 2004 the number of children grew to 60.

In 2007 the foundation became official in Thailand and has now expanded to Australia.

ZOE also has moved to a new home since it’s start and built a 40,000 square foot aftercare facility and bible school.

ZOE is also working towards opening a branch here in Los Angeles.

“We feel passionately that everyone can do something to combat human trafficking through a variety of things,” said Meenk. “Anything from volunteering at an organization to financial support, to getting educated about the signs of trafficking.”

The organization will be holding a small garden party event on April 28 to bring awareness and raise funds for their self-sustainability program. For more information on the event you can call the office at 661-255-7963.

In November of this year the organization is also planning to host a themed walk to raise awareness.

“Be aware of it happening in your own backyard, everyone can help prevent human trafficking,” said Meek. “It is a crime that works like any business model of supply and demand, we have got to change the heart of man that says it is okay to buy and sell another human being.”

For more information about ZOE International you can visit the website here.