Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry Is 'In The Salvation Army's DNA'
Two decades ago, Major Leisa Hall was stationed in Augusta, Georgia when she first became acquainted with work in the anti-human trafficking field. She received regular correspondence from Jason Pope, who worked in social and ethical ministries for the Georgia Division, and at the time, Major Hall could not have foreseen the life-long passion and dedication she would feel toward the ministry.
“I give credit to Jason,” Major Hall said. “When we were in Georgia, he would send emails to anyone who wanted them about human trafficking and its challenges. I learned a great deal from reading them. I read things that shocked me and also inspired me to become more involved.”
In the late 2000’s, Major Hall became acquainted with an FBI agent in Oklahoma City who was beginning a human trafficking task force in that community. “The agent who called me was familiar with the Army’s work in other countries in the trafficking space,” said Major Hall. “I sat in a room with experts that knew much more than I did. I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’ I was in over my head, but I listened for weeks and months. That was really where my heart was stirred, and I could not believe the things that were happening, even as I knew they were true.”
As part of that task force, she received inquiries and requests to be a public speaker on the topic. While other members of the task force in law enforcement needed to retain anonymity, Major Hall was able to speak freely and help to educate others. That led to further education for herself, including a video that she found of a woman that changed her perspective.
“The video changed my life,” said Major Hall. “I know people say that, but it literally did. It changed my life. She changed my life. Her name was Yvonne, and her story was so terrible and affecting. But she found salvation and managed to get off the streets.”
“Eventually, I tracked her down, and we became fast friends. I invited her to speak in a couple of Army settings, and unfortunately, she was promoted to glory within the next year or two. But she taught me a great deal, more than any training could. She was someone with lived experience, and she changed my thinking to understand that everyone has a story. There is no one face to anti-human trafficking, but everyone’s story matters.”
Major Hall has been involved in various antihuman trafficking efforts in each appointment since, including extensive work in and around Washington, D.C. and in her current role in Palm Beach County, Florida alongside Major James Hall as area commanders. Statistically, Florida is in the top three among states in human trafficking rates nationally, along with California and Texas, and though Major Hall consistently notes that the impact of human trafficking can be found in any community, there was a clear need in Palm Beach.
In 2019, The Salvation Army began a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, and the two organizations have since extended that agreement. The Salvation Army provides the sheltering piece of a larger program initiative, with Catholic Charities receiving government grants. Catholic Charities brings The Salvation Army referrals, with The Salvation Army providing meals and 24-hour security for individuals affected. In addition, survivors are invited to life skills classes, Bible study, worship services, and other outings if they choose to participate. On the other side, Catholic Charities handles the case management and other services, including counseling.
“One reason I believe the partnership we have in Palm Beach is so effective is that we, as The Salvation Army, don’t have to do everything. But we can do what we do well,” said Major Hall. “That includes the sheltering and safety, with the ability and the desire to welcome families and meet that need.”
Catholic Charities also operates as a subsidiary of the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2017 and expanded in 2019. The Salvation Army’s initial involvement stemmed from Major Hall meeting with the organization and working together to form a memorandum of understanding to provide both short-term and long-term housing.
Beyond her role as area commander for The Salvation Army, Major Hall also serves on the board of the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches. The stated mission of that coalition is “to prevent human trafficking in the Palm Beaches by building partnerships, fostering collaborations, identifying resources, and providing education and outreach,” and Major Hall is also a member of a faith-based group called Sharing One Love, which focuses on providing a network for community advocates aimed toward increasing collaboration, sharing resources, and responding to survivors of human trafficking.
Major Hall is also a certified trainer who regularly visits with schools, universities, PTA organizations, medical professionals, parents, hospitality workers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the challenges of human trafficking.
“A few months ago, I got a call on a Friday afternoon from an FBI agent who works with victims of human trafficking,” Major Hall said. “She wasn’t sure what to do after working with a fellow agent from Houston, Texas. They identified a survivor who had fled to Palm Beach County, but the FBI does not do any service provision. She was in need of help with the situation, and I was able to share with her which agencies could assist in which areas. I was able to visit with the victim to provide what we could provide, and also help to set up aid with transport. It’s a good example of the multi-layered network and how the ongoing collaboration can help.”
As for the ongoing work in Palm Beach, Major Hall believes the partnership with Catholic Charities “can be a good and replicable model for use in other places.”
“We partner with other organizations who have the capability, training, and funding,” Major Hall said. “Of course, our staff that come in contact with survivors have been through a level of anti-human trafficking training, but I think we have the balance right where we are. The program can continue, and it’s a fruitful partnership that helps to maximize our collective resources.”
Major Hall firmly believes that anti-human trafficking ministry is “in The Salvation Army’s DNA,” pointing to a quote from Catherine Booth saying, “I felt as though I must go and walk the streets and besiege the dens where these hellish iniquities are going on. To keep quiet seemed like being a traitor to humanity.”
In addition, The Salvation Army helped to pass a law in England called the Criminal Law Amendment Act in 1885. The act raised the age of consent, and by 1900, The Salvation Army had created over 100 “rescue homes” throughout London to help those fleeing prostitution.
“I believe that there is a firm scriptural background for this ministry,” Major Hall said. “There is a verse that I often reference and hold dear, and it comes from Isaiah 59, verses 15-16. It says, ‘The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, and he was appalled that there was no one to intercede.’ I am incredibly passionate about this work, and I believe that the Army can and will continue to help others.”