Our Story
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition started out as a grassroots organization of concerned citizens that would attend meetings to discuss ideas to bring awareness of human trafficking to the state of Idaho.
Jennifer and Kevin Zielinski attended this group and quickly saw a need for leadership. In order to bring this cause to fruition, Jennifer approached the private founder behind this group, and was assigned the Executive Director role to launch this into an organization. Jennifer single-handedly spearheaded this effort by creating IATC as a certified 501(C)3 over the course of a year, during which she had approximately 500 meetings with community leaders and legislators. IATC was awarded the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grant from the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance in July of 2018, and that's when Kevin Zielinski and a few others were hired to expand on Jennifer's efforts.
IATC, is the first organization that has received funding solely for human trafficking from the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance.
Since then, it has grown substantially and has taken on the goal of making a systemic change throughout all of Idaho. IATC has brought to the forefront a population who have never been identified as potential or current victims of human trafficking and now are collecting the data and ensuring direct services and supports are provide for their care.
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition provides education, awareness and training on human trafficking to local individuals and organizations. They advocate for victim rights and new laws that protect, instead of prosecuting victims, and have instilled key partnerships to provide direct services, emergency housing and support.
To learn the full story of the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition and what we are doing, watch the interview below with director Jennifer Zielinski.
Press Release
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition is honoring its mission to work alongside community members in providing awareness, education, services, and safe housing for victims of human trafficking.
In the past two years, the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition has expedited its efforts to fulfill its mission. This year these efforts will include evaluating what is working and what isn't, strengthening statewide partnerships, expanding awareness and education, and ensuring that individuals have the right to housing, services, and supports, removing the process of criminalizing victims.
Idaho is about 20 years behind the times when it comes to combating Human Trafficking. Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems are still criminalizing victims and we as a community have not fully recognized the severity of human trafficking in our own backyard.
Without community involvement, partnerships, and full transparency the Coalition wouldn't be able to successfully do this work, while honoring individuals who have the most important voice in this critical effort!
For information on the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition contact:
Jennifer Zielinski
Executive Director,
Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition
208-630-6601.
Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (Idaho ATC) Code of Ethics - 2018
- Decisions concerning IdahoATC activity design and content and decisions related to the support of the IdahoATC will always be made in the best interests of those the coalition is partnering with and serving.
- IdahoATC content will always be evidence-based and free of inappropriate influence (i.e. emotional or manipulative).
- IdahoATC activities will be designed to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skill, and awareness of the community in the provision of the highest quality of professionalism.
- IdahoATC is committed to the appropriate advancement and adoption of innovative strategies and outreach for combating trafficking to maintain credibility.
- IdahoATC is committed to educating the public to continue ending the silence surrounding human trafficking in Idaho.
- IdahoATC activities must fall within the mission and goals of the coalition to ensure independent performance and behavior.
- IdahoATC staff and volunteers agree to abide by HIPPA guidelines to maintain the privacy and security of victims, survivors, and those involved in the treatment and support process.
- IdahoATC staff and volunteers agree to honor commitments and keep promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in professional relationships. Staff and volunteers will speak respectfully about others and respect laws and authorities while working with state and federal agencies.