Giving women an opportunity to hope again. That's part of the mission of North Star Initiative (NSI), a nonprofit that works to combat human trafficking. You can help support that mission by attending the Tapas Shindig. The fundraising event will be held on Friday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Junction Center, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim.

The evening will feature networking time, a silent auction, tapas and mocktails, followed by a program, a live auction and dessert and coffee. This is the fourth year for the Tapas Shindig, said Janelle Esbenshade, interim executive director of NSI. "In 2019, we wanted to create an event that was nontraditional from the typical sit-down dinner experience," she explained. "(We wanted) to offer individuals an opportunity to connect with one another in the community over good food and drinks while learning about the mission of North Star and how they can help support survivors of sex trafficking."

NSI was founded in 2010 with a goal of providing physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual care with a Christ-centered focus. The organization operates The Harbor, a restoration home and program for female survivors of human trafficking. "The program is strengths-based, tailored to the survivors' individual needs and matched to their current stage of change," Esbenshade stated. "Each woman participates in individual and group therapy; has access to basic medical, dental and legal services; and receives an education and job-skills training. Our goal is for each survivor to leave The Harbor fully restored so she can return to the community and enjoy a life of sustained independence."

NSI estimates that tens of thousands of people are victims of sex trafficking in the United States, and the organization turns away up to 10 survivors a week due to lack of space. To serve more survivors, NSI launched a capital campaign to raise funds to build the Survivor Center adjacent to The Harbor. Along with providing restoration services and treatment for local survivors who do not require housing, the center will now house NSI's offices and programming, allowing an 80% increase in occupancy at The Harbor.

Esbenshade said the Tapas Shindig will allow people to celebrate the completion of the Survivor Center and will help to continue to raise awareness of the need for NSI's services. "Come for a fun evening and connect with the community to better understand the issue of sex trafficking happening all around us," she remarked, "while hearing stories of hope, healing and restoration."

The registration deadline for the Tapas Shindig is Friday, Oct. 7. To register, visit https://bidpal.net/nsi or text NSI to 243725.