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May 18, 2026



Message from the Founder and CEO, Fay Chelmow



In May 2027, I will be retiring, marking 2026–2027 as ImPACT Virginia’s final year in its current form. 2027 will cap an incredible 12-year stretch of partnerships with numerous nonprofits united in raising community awareness about human trafficking, serving victims and survivors, and working to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.


It has been an honor to work with students at every level—high school through graduate school—who never cease to amaze me with their curiosity, creativity, energy, and expertise. I especially thank the medical students from VCU who, from 2019 to 2027, took my ideas and ran with them, consistently delivering results that exceeded expectations. They helped place human trafficking on the radar of healthcare providers at VCU and beyond. They embraced research, earned recognition at local and national medical conferences, and many won awards. They spearheaded ImPACT’s annual Medical Symposium on Human Trafficking, drawing stakeholders from across the state. Most importantly, they became experts in recognizing potential victims in the healthcare setting, delivering trauma-informed care, and linking patients to appropriate community services.


This past academic year (2025–2026), I was honored to serve as the supervising instructor for two outstanding MSW interns. Working with both medical and social work students was remarkably synergistic, and together we advanced our advocacy work with deeper understanding.


I will never forget the donors who have faithfully supported ImPACT Virginia since its birth in 2015. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my partner in crime, Dr. Fidelma Rigby, who held the keys to doors and partnerships ImPACT Virginia would not have been able to reach without her tireless support and unwavering confidence in our mission. Thank you for your help.


To my wonderful husband, daughter, and son, thank you for your support. I know dinner was not always on the table when it should have been, but you let it slide—and I am grateful for your patience and encouragement.


With love always,

Fay



Prevention Through Education



for a future that is safe and free for all





Survivor Informed. Student Inspired. Research Driven.​​



Join Us

What is Human Trafficking?


Infographic
Learn More

May 17, 2023



HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN OUR COMMUNITY





VCU MEDICAL STUDENTS, CLASS OF 2023, SARAH BEAVERSON AND LAUREN HANLEY TALK ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM IN RICHMOND AND WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT THE WIDESPREAD EXPLOITATION.


LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Watch The 12-minute Video


Learn why disclosure is NOT the goal
Learn why the PEARR Tool is proving more effective than the screening tool
Trauma-Informed Responses
are crucially important. Learn why.



What to Do and Who to Contact when you have Identified a Trafficked Child



These Guidelines were created by the

Virginia Department of Social Services.

Follow your Institution's Protocols.


Learn

Human Trafficking Response:
Resources for Health Care Professionals



60 min webinar by the American Hospital Association


Learn

WATCH AND Learn FROM THE FOLLOWING SURVIVOR LEADERS



If basic needs are not being met, that makes a person vulnerable to being exploited. Human trafficking is all about exploiting a person's vulnerability for profit.



"if someone would have talked to me a little bit more and asked real questions and letting me know I mattered."



"My first trafficker was my mother who started selling me to the landlord; and the landlord was part of a pedophile ring."



"They explained to me that I was doing this for the good of my family."



Survivor Expert Video



"My parents had no clue. I was so fearful of people finding out. I wasn't physically hurt. It was all mental hurt. It took a good friend to tell me it was not my fault."



Survivor Expert Video



"I am a survivor

of child abuse and incest. a Survivor of slavery

and human trafficking.

My

sexual

predators

were my

parents."



Survivor Expert Video



"We need to understand the red flags and that anyone can be trafficked; there are no exceptions. You can't assume anything."



Survivor Expert Video



Your ability to recognize the red flags of human trafficking can save a life. Learn how you can be part of the solution.

Take a free online training course.



By being vigilant, you too, can be a change-maker.
Join these Everyday Heroes.
Watch these video clips



DelTa Airlines Launches Awareness Video



Airline Agent Saves two teens



Flight Attendant saves a life



Trucker Saves a life



Uber Driver saves a life



Airline Attendant Saves a life



Postal Worker Saves a Life



State trooper saves a life



NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE



888 - 3737 - 888 or Text "BeFree" 233733



If you are trapped in this form of exploitation, ​

- You are not a criminal. You are a victim of a crime.

- What happened to you was wrong.

- The person who did this to you should be in jail.

- You can receive help to rebuild your life.

- You are entitled to assistance.

- You have a right to live without being abused.

- Please call us today so we can help you.


The hotline number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,

in more than 200 languages. ***** Anonymous calls are welcome *****




Why we no longer call human trafficking slavery


Watch Video

Blue Heart is the International Symbol against Human Trafficking
Join Our Grassroots all-Volunteer Organization
ImPACT Virginia is also known as People Against Child Trafficking in American Schools
TAX ID #47-3931846 We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization