Whether through the eyes or the mind's imagination, the act of visualization possesses the power to create moving images, bold stimuli and lasting impressions. Few endeavors reflect the mission of North Star Initiative (NSI) as well as the Red Sand Project.

"Red sand is used because it immediately attracts your attention," said Melinda Clark, who's been the CEO of NSI for four years. "When you pour it on the sidewalk, it represents people who have fallen through the cracks. Filling the cracks symbolizes that we're not willing to have people fall in the cracks. We will become a community where trafficking can end."

Recently, Clark, Ariana Sequino and Michelle Curiel, all members of the NSI team - a nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking and exploitation - took advantage of an opportunity to participate in the national Red Sand Project.

On the sidewalks of the heritage block near Penn Square in the city of Lancaster, participants poured red sand into the cracks between bricks. About 20 human trafficking opponents from the Lancaster County district attorney's task force, the Lancaster YWCA and Zoe International joined NSI in a show of solidarity against the societal dilemma.

"It's a stirring project when it's being done because it's very visual," said Clark. "It was both somber and joyful. People were starting to ask, 'What is this?' We told them, 'Human trafficking is here, and we're standing against it. That's why we're here.'

"I don't think many people know about the Red Sand Project," continued Clark. "The purpose is to drive awareness to the issue and the services that are available. We're making a statement, and we want to make others aware. Trafficking is happening. We want people to know about North Star, because people are encouraged when they know there are resources. I keep running into people who don't know about North Star and what we do."

According to Clark, the number one tool in attracting potential victims to human trafficking is social media, and force is only used in about three percent of the total human trafficking cases. She also said that more than half of the victims of human trafficking were exploited by family members or trusted caregivers.

"We need to strengthen young people by connecting them with safe adults," said Clark, a resident of East Hempfield. "Victims are attracted by potential romance opportunities or some other false promise. When we understand the truth of the strategies, then we can build protective measures into young people's lives. Traffickers are looking for vulnerabilities to get access to potential victims."

NSI was founded in 2010 and seven years later constructed one of the only survivor shelters dedicated to long-term restoration in the region. NSI, which is currently serving six survivors of human trafficking, employs 22 staff members.

"We are committed to ending trafficking in our community," said Clark. "That happens when people decide to come alongside us. Yes, trafficking is happening, and it's a terrible crime. But we don't need to fear it because we can make our community trafficking-proof. It's terrible, but we're doing something about it."

On Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m, North Star Initiative will host its annual fundraising gala at The Star Barn, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. This year's theme is Light the Way: Ignite Hope.

For additional information, go to http://www.northstarinitiative.org.