Everstrong

Prevention doesn't need its own lesson plan.

Our Program Director Tanya Fernandez wrote a practical guide for educators on how to integrate exploitation prevention into everyday classroom moments — through the conversations, lessons, and relationships you're already building.

Whether you're a teacher, school counselor, or a parent looking for conversation starters, there's something here for you. Read it on our blog. 👇

https://www.everstrong.org/news/everyday-prevention-practical-strategies-for-addressing-exploitation-with-youth/

The Empowerment Fund is now accepting applications for 2026!

Created in partnership with the Robins Nest Family Foundation, the Empowerment Fund is dedicated to helping survivors of s*x trafficking and exploitation pursue their dreams and achieve lasting independence.

Through targeted grants for education and career-related expenses, the Fund provides survivors in Washington State with the tools they need to build financial stability, unlock new opportunities, and focus fully on shaping their future.

Empowerment begins with possibility. The Empowerment Fund makes possibility real.

For more information or to apply, visit the link in our bio.

We all have mountains to climb. 🏔️

Introducing Everstrong Does Everest — a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Mount Everest Basecamp in April 2027, raising funds to prevent child s*x trafficking through education and to support survivors.

This is a big hike. No technical skills required. Just purpose, community, and a willingness to show up for kids who need us.

Can't make it to Nepal? We're creating ways to participate from wherever you are.

Training begins in June. Teams welcome.

Share this with someone who needs a mountain to climb.

More details: https://www.everstrong.org/get-involved/everstrong-does-everest/

We’re proud to welcome Christina Robins to the Everstrong Board of Directors 💙

Christina’s leadership and partnership through the Robins Family Foundation have already helped shape one of our most meaningful programs — the Empowerment Fund. Her commitment to integrity, long-term impact, and community investment strengthens our work as we scale prevention through education.

Empowerment and prevention are not separate strategies. They are part of the same vision: a world where youth are safe from exploitation.

Christina, we’re so grateful for your partnership in this work.

We’re proud to welcome Braelah McGinnis to the Everstrong Board of Directors 💙

As a Senior Deputy Prosecutor in King County, Braelah specializes in prosecuting s*x trafficking, domestic violence, and the commercial s*xual exploitation of children. Her leadership bridges accountability, reform, and survivor protection.

A recipient of the Charles Z. Smith Award for Leadership in Justice and Equality, and a national leader in the legal community, Braelah brings both rigor and compassion to the fight against gender-based violence.

At Everstrong, we believe prevention, justice, and systems change must move forward together. Braelah’s expertise strengthens our prevention-first strategy and deepens our commitment to protecting young people.

Braelah, we’re grateful for your leadership and partnership.

We are deeply honored to welcome Jessica R. Muñoz, MSN, APRN-RX, FNP-BC, to the Everstrong Board of Directors 💙

Jessica is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and nonprofit founder whose work has helped redefine how communities respond to child s*x trafficking and complex trauma.

From building Hawaiʻi’s first long-term residential treatment campus for s*xually exploited girls to advising global partners on trauma-informed care, her leadership reflects both grit and grace — and a deep commitment to protecting children.

As Everstrong scales prevention through education, Jessica’s systems-level expertise and survivor-centered perspective will help strengthen our path forward.

Jessica, we are grateful for your leadership and partnership in this work.

We are honored to welcome Melanie Thompson to the Everstrong Board of Directors 💙

Melanie is a nationally and internationally recognized advocate working to end commercial s*xual exploitation and strengthen survivor-centered policy. With more than 16 years of advocacy experience — and lived expertise that informs her leadership — she brings powerful insight to governance, prevention, and systems change.

From testifying before the United Nations to shaping survivor advisory initiatives worldwide, Melanie’s voice has helped influence policy and protect vulnerable youth across the globe.

At Everstrong, we believe survivors must shape the solutions. Melanie’s leadership deepens our commitment to empowering young people and advancing prevention that is informed, inclusive, and just.

Melanie, we are deeply grateful for your courage, expertise, and partnership.

The national conversation about the Epstein files can leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless. Justice matters deeply...but justice takes time. Sometimes it takes longer than we have. Sometimes it never fully comes.

Prevention can’t wait.

Survivors have been telling us for years how trafficking takes root: in schools, in homes, in unmet needs, in silence, in systems that protect power instead of people. If we’re listening, the roadmap is there.

Here are six lessons about what prevention really looks like, and what each of us can do, starting now.

Which one surprised you most?
What action feels possible in your life?

Tag someone who should read this. Re-post or share it to your stories to keep the conversation going. Let's build the networks that protect young people.

We’re proud to welcome Leigh Anne DeWine to the Everstrong Board of Directors 💙

Leigh Anne brings deep expertise in human rights and anti-trafficking work at the highest levels of government and industry. From her current role as Director of Human Rights at Amazon to her decade of service at the U.S. Department of State, her work has always been focused on protecting vulnerable communities.

What inspires us most is her commitment to upstream solutions. As Everstrong scales prevention through education, her systems-level perspective will be invaluable.

Welcome, Leigh Anne — we’re so grateful you’re with us.

Social responsibility means we don’t wait for someone else to act.

Prevention starts with small choices that strengthen our communities every day.

Parents: Have family check-ins about how you care for each other and your community. Ask, "how are we helping make things better for someone else this week?”

Friends: Check in when someone seems off. A simple “you good?” can remind them they’re not alone.

Neighbors and community members: Share resources like Everstrong’s Prevention Portal at schools, youth programs, or community spaces.

Every action we take builds connection, and every connection strengthens safety.

Because prevention isn’t just awareness, it's action.

Critical thinking keeps kids safer. Teach the habit of asking why.

Why is my algorithm showing this to me? Why is this person asking for secrecy? Why does this offer feel too good to be true?

Practice together. Spot red flags in ads and DMs. Learn and share consent basics. You can check out our FRIES model at our online Prevention Portal.

When young people can spot manipulation, they keep their power where it belongs — with them.