Social Justice Fund for Ventura County — Awareness and Gratitude

Hope in Their Hands

January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Years ago, Alia Azariah, Social Justice Fellow, was trafficked as a young girl here in Ventura County … a victim, a survivor, her story heartbreaking and unfortunately to this day not uncommon.

But her story has evolved … resilience, healing, justice … hope. Now a powerful change agent, Alia is an unrelenting force and advocate for vulnerable and trafficked children and shares her story nationally and globally.

Recently inspired by a 14-year-old survivor who asked her, “what if I didn’t know your story?” Alia is putting her lived experience to pen and paper.

“If I died tomorrow, my story goes with me. And the ability to change the lives of these kids goes with me. I can’t meet with every kid, I can’t have every conversation I want to have, but I can put a book in every single one of their hands.” ~ Alia Azariah

Properly assisting survivors not only heals individual well-being but also strengthens families and the vitality of communities.

“Alia’s project delivers essential secondary and tertiary health prevention measures that ease survivors away from spiraling depression, social withdrawal or unhealthy behaviors while offering supportive and empowering guidance to reclaim their lives and renew their dreams.” ~ Jennifer Raymond, DrPH. A Ventura County professional, Jennifer holds a doctorate in public health.

As she works tirelessly on behalf of trafficked and exploited youth, Alia figuratively and literally puts Hope in Their Hands.

“Our kids in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties are the most incredible human beings I’ve ever had the chance to be around. And they’re so capable. And if we can get them the assistance that they need, they will change our world.” ~ Alia Azariah

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