The Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery is Hawaii’s only nonprofit solely focused on serving victims of human trafficking for either sex or labor. Since 2009, PASS has served more than 98 victims of trafficking. A few words from 2013 Best Non-Profit Impact Award winner Kathryn Xian of PASS:
1. Congratulations on winning the 2013 Non-Profit Impact Award. In what ways has this Business Achievement Award impacted your organization?
The award helped PASS gain more publicity.
2. Since receiving the award, what are some new initiatives PASS has undertaken?
We have continued to provide services to victims of human trafficking as well as training to services providers and first responders in treating victims. We recently completed a full briefing to the judges of the Hawaii State Family Court on the dynamics of juvenile victims of sex trafficking, to aid in their work with children in the juvenile justice system who may go through the system unidentified.
3. What drives you to do what you do?
The prospect of ending these abuses in Hawai’i nei.
4. Could you share what you feel is your biggest accomplishments with PASS to date?
Saving lives. A few of our clients have gone on with their lives and have recently had children. I get baby pictures regularly from them and it’s the greatest feeling in the world knowing that you not only helped save the life the mother but made sure that the baby was born in a healthy environment.
On the legal front, we just ended an archaic and abusive state law that allowed police officers the ability to use sexual penetration during the course of an investigation. This is a big win for human rights. *Kathryn is a current Democratic candidate for Congress, Hawaii’s District 1.
5. What are some of your goals for PASS in the coming year?
I hope that PASS continues to build more support and community awareness because without the help of the community to stop these crimes, human trafficking will continue to flourish.
6. Do you have any advice for individuals looking to start up new, local non-profit groups?
Think about it very carefully. It’s like having a child: a lifelong commitment.