Source: The Sentinel-Record
January 14, 2017
The new docuseries "The Hero Effect" will be shown today on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network with an episode about one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world, human trafficking.
The episode, entitled "More Too Life," will be shown at 9 a.m. today during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Presented by United Way and produced by Dolphin Entertainment, "The Hero Effect" is an uplifting docuseries that brings to life the stories of ordinary individuals who are making extraordinary differences in their communities, a new release said. The 10-episode original series brings audiences real-life stories that build on United Way's credo to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.
The United Way of the Ouachitas said in the release that it has impacted the lives of dozens of people in Hot Springs by being a part of the local Human Trafficking Task Force lead by Mayor Ruth Carney.
"United Way of the Ouachitas is dedicated to combating human trafficking in all forms and helping the women, men and children exploited by these crimes to rebuild their lives,"said Executive Director Jane Browning. "By shining a spotlight on human trafficking, 'The Hero Effect' is raising awareness of the vital role we can all play in ending this abhorrent practice in communities around the world."
There are an estimated 20.9 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, including in all 50 states and territories of the U.S. Brook Bello, a human trafficking survivor, is the founder and CEO of More Too Life, a Florida-based organization that advocates for all victims of human trafficking, rape, incest, prostitution and domestic servitude. Bello's work centers on restorative justice, demand prevention, street outreach and human rights issues.
"Victims of human trafficking and a root cause like familial sex slavery don't always know they're victims. You're not a survivor until you know you've survived, and when you do, it's powerful," said Bello.
"At More Too Life, we work with girls, boys and women to help them learn to say that they were victims of a crime. And when they learn it wasn't their fault, they realize they're survivors.'
Hosted by Donald Driver, a former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers and Emily Wilson, a philanthropist and actress, each episode of "The Hero Effect" concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to visit http://www.heroeffect.com and connect with their local United Way or other community-based organizations to create positive change.