On this week's program, host, Phil Tower, welcomes Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young . Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young joined us for an in-depth conversation on the two-year anniversary of the Human Trafficking Task Force created in 2021 by the Kent County Sheriff's Office. Over the last several years, many non-profit organizations in Kent County developed programs to assist individuals who had been the victims of human trafficking in our community. These non-profit organizations saw a need for advocacy programs designed to support and guide victims of trafficking through their individual journeys. In 2021, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office chose to adjust its focus on human trafficking and began working hand-in-hand with victim service providers in the community. The formation of this task force was the first of its kind in the area, which allowed victim service providers and law enforcement to work together to provide a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach, giving victims a voice and building trust in the process. In 2023, the task force referred at least 22 documented victims to Sacred Beginnings, Safe Haven, and Crisis Aid International for advocacy, housing assistance, and counseling.
-Sacred Beginnings
-Safe Haven
-Crisis Aid International

In part two of our programgram, Phil speaks with David Durkee, director of Ferris State University’s Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Success Hubs. The Students Success Hubs, two of five in the state, assist students with application and registration help, financial aid guidance, academic advising, career development services, and more. The Students Success Hubs, two of five in the state, assist students with application and registration help, financial aid guidance, academic advising, career development services, and more. Both the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Student Success Hubs will serve working adults who are looking to finish a degree and traditional students who want to connect to the main campus or take online classes.
Ferris State is offering bachelor’s degree programs in both Hub locations.
Ferris State University’s Success Hubs