Freedom NWPA Making a Difference in the Local Communities
- Editor
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A few members of The Boys & Girls Club Along The Allegheny and staff take some time to get a picture taken with Julia and George Allman of Northwest Freedom PA.
Julia & George Allman discuss the dangers of social media to B&GAA club members.
Freedom NWPA, a local 501(c)3 organization based out of Seneca, PA was formed four years ago with the sole purpose of helping people.
On Thursday, June 18th, Julia Allman of Northwest Freedom PA, along with her husband George, took time to stop by The Boys and Girls Club Along The Allegheny in Emlenton.
Formerly known as ‘Set Free”, Freedom NWPA has been busy equipping and educating the community on the dangers of human trafficking and how it presents itself in our region and communities.
Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry which accounts for a staggering $150 billion worldwide and $9.9 billion dollars in the U.S.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. As seen on TV, the network of trafficking has grown exponentially on both a global and local level.
Traffickers use different methods to lure their victims thru manipulation, false promises, romantic relationships with social media being the main tool to start a conversation or attract would be victims. The kids learned about how to be aware of your surrounding and the tools necessary to recognize when they are becoming victimized especially on social media.
Allman points out, “Trafficking is everywhere and our goal is to create awareness through presentations, education and quarterly self-defense classes”. The self defense classes are free and taught by Westover Protection and the Venango County Sheriff’s office.
In 2024 Freedom NWPA helped to sponsor over 175 students to learn self defense skills and become more aware about human trafficking. Freedom NWPA knows that mitigating the vulnerabilities upstream reduces the chances of a person becoming trafficked.
Awareness saves lives! Julia and company have spoken at the Oil City School District, Abraxas, Pathways, The Franklin Elks etc. With such a need, they were asked to participate statewide led by Donna Oberlander in conjunction with the State Police, the FBI and analysts that handle trafficking in Pennsylvania.
If you would like to learn more about Freedom NWPA and their services you may email Julia at freedom.nwpa@gmail.com or call 814-673-2797.
