Pattison Park was a hive of activity: children played, food sizzled on the grill, and raffle winners excitedly claimed their prizes. The second annual Summer Safety Family Fun Day, a joint effort between Glenville and East Cleveland, brought over 400 residents together for a day of education, entertainment, and fellowship. Organized by Strong Hands United, the event aimed to raise awareness of human trafficking and provide support to families.
Strong Hands United, led by executive director Chalana Freed and her husband Curtis Freed, founder and outreach director, has been a central force in the community since its founding in 2015. Originally focused on children with incarcerated parents, the organization changed its mission during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize child safety and human trafficking education. “Human trafficking is not what most people think it is,” Chalana Freed explained. “It’s a crisis that’s happening right here in Ohio and is often hidden right in plain sight.”
Ohio is among the top five states with the highest rates of human trafficking in the U.S. This statistic is based on factors such as proximity to water, an extensive highway network and a mix of urban and rural areas. This makes it easy for traffickers to move undetected and exploit the vulnerabilities of vulnerable populations, Freed noted, stressing the importance of community vigilance.
The event featured a number of activities and resources. Attendees enjoyed performances by the Shaw High School Marching Band, interacted with mounted police horses, and participated in games and activities such as bounce houses and play trucks. A highlight of the day was the bike raffle, a beloved tradition made possible by a partnership with Walmart and local bike shops, Banana for Bikes and Upcycles, which repairs bikes inexpensively. This year, 40 refurbished bikes were given away to enthusiastic children. Curtis Freed was all smiles as he announced on Facebook, “Come on everyone, everything is free. We have food, clothing, shoes, and more.”
Strong Hands United’s partners are offering all of the event’s resources for free. Ms. Freed recalled times when children felt left out because they didn’t have access to different activities on a community day, and she wants to change that. These partnerships extend beyond the event. Organizations like Food Strong, Right Direction, and the Howard Huskies contributed to the day’s success. These partnerships are vital not only to supporting the event, but also to the ongoing work in the community. “Together we are strong,” Ms. Freed said, referring to their joint efforts with other local nonprofits.
The event also provided a platform to educate families about human trafficking. Strong Hands United’s approach includes situational skits and interactive sessions designed to teach children and parents about safety. The organization’s mascot, Victoria the wise owl, helps convey important messages in a kid-friendly way. “I was just walking by, like I always do, and I saw all this. So I went and got my niece and nephew so they could have a good time. It was fun,” one festival attendee told The Land.
Despite the serious subject matter, the event had a cheerful atmosphere. “We want the children to feel safe and supported, not scared,” the CEO stressed. The event was not just about raising awareness, but also about fostering a sense of community and resilience.
Concluding the day, Ms. Freed reminded attendees of the importance of awareness and education in the fight against human trafficking. “If we knew better, we would do better,” she urged. Fighting this hidden epidemic requires a united community, and events like Summer Safety and Family Fun Day are a step toward that goal.
For more information about Strong Hands United and their initiatives, visit their website or attend one of their community trainings.
This story was published in partnership with East Clevelander Magazine.
