October 2, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 9 Ridgewood Polaris Project rep to discuss human trafficking The League of Women Voters of Ridgewood will spon- sor an Oct. 10 workshop on the problems of human slav- ery and trafficking. The 7 p.m. program will be held at the Community Center located at village hall, 131 North Maple Avenue. Kate Keisel, director of the New Jersey Polaris Proj- ect, will discuss the role of communities in combating human trafficking. This global problem has reached crisis proportions, and suburban communities are not immune. Keisel will explain the problems and the role of communities. In the 10 years since it was founded, Polaris has trained police and other law enforcement agencies and educated community leaders. In 2005, Polaris became the only organization devoted solely to combating all forms of human trafficking in New Jersey. That same year, Con- gress passed laws to create programs to aid trafficking victims, give transitional housing and support, and work to strengthen state laws. Polaris has a 24 hour hotline. As of 2011, over 450,000 calls have resulted in rescuing at least 5,500 victims, and identifying trafficking networks. Last year, Polaris lob- bied to help pass 18 new state laws to strengthen protec- tions for victims. Polaris was responsible for removing online and print want ads that were used to advertise victims forced into the commercial sex industry. The Department of Defense has established its own network to alert civilian and military members. One of the increased sites for trafficking of young men and women in the U.S. is the Super Bowl. Because New Jersey will be hosting the Super Bowl in 2014, it is imperative that as many people as possible are aware of this problem. The League of Women Voters of Ridgewood invites Kate Keisel of the NJ Polaris Project all neighboring community leaders, law enforcement officials, and residents to hear this presentation. For more information, contact LWV Ridgewood, mandegruber@gmail.com or hhddpd@yahoo.com. Hauck (continued from page 5) in Ridgewood. Those in need of transportation are encouraged to make arrangements with the senior bus by calling (201) 670-5500, extension 200. Information about taxi coupons is also available at that number. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Call (201) 670-5560 or e-mail ghauck@ridgewoodnj.net.