YOUNGSTOWN - FreeThree returned for their annual event in Youngstown to raise awareness of human trafficking and the resources they offer to support victims and people who feel vulnerable. But this year, instead of a dedicated walk, they hosted a Gathering for Freedom. 

According to Macey Austin, a FreeThree board member, the Walk for Freedom began five years ago when one of the the group's leaders believed she heard a message from God and rallied her team behind her to organize an event to reach out to human trafficking victims and vulnerable people across the Valley. Those include residents of Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties - the "Three" in "FreeThree."

"Just like most things in the world, they evolve over time. And so, we needed to walk for freedom, we needed to fight, we needed to make a big stand. And now we just feel that we need to just be here together in community and unity together," Austin said. 

This year, FreeThree met at the Adult & Teen Challenge of Ohio Valley to give people affected by human trafficking and those passionate about fighting against it a chance to come together and share their stories. 

Judge Renee DiSalvo was there and took the opportunity to discuss GRACE (Growth Restored through Acceptance, Change, and Empowerment) Court, a program that assists human trafficking victims and guides them to navigate the legal process with a helping hand. 

Members of FreeThree discussed the rise of generative artificial intelligence in human trafficking, as more and more illicit images of real people, including children, are being generated with little way of tracking them. 

They also clarified some common misconceptions when it comes to human trafficking.

"Human trafficking is not kidnapping, it's not snatch-and-grab like people would imagine... It all happens, a lot of it, online, or familial-based. So you likely don't see it happening," said Austin.

Sticking with tradition, members of the gathering decided to finish off the event with a walk through downtown, spreading their message and reaching out to vulnerable members of the community.