Two unique exhibits on display from Sept. 25 - Oct. 5 at Mount Mercy University bring to life startling statistics and devastating results of human trafficking–one of the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. The two displays are part of the Journey to Freedom collection and can be viewed in the Basile Hall atrium on main campus (small display) and the Francis J. Pruss Conference Center within the CRST International Graduate Center (more extensive display). Displays can be viewed 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The entire collection of Journey to Freedom was recently displayed at The Big White House, Genesis Church in Coralville. The Journey to Freedom collection has helped draw critical new attention to human trafficking. The displays at Mount Mercy offer a walk-through experience that provides stunning statistics on human trafficking (both in the sex and labor trades). While the Basile Hall display includes facts about human trafficking as an introduction to the topic, the graduate center exhibit includes personal stories from women directly impacted, and includes gut-wrenching and heartfelt glimpses into the lives of those trafficked. Viewers leave with an unforgettable untold story, and learn specific ways they can get involved and join the fight against human trafficking.
For more information about the local fight against human trafficking and how you can assist in this effort, please visit Cedar Rapids Gives at www.cedarrapidsgives.org or email Teresa Davidson, the chair of the local Brothers and Sisters Against Trafficking group, at lifewideopen@me.com. For more about opportunities to host an exhibit from the Journey to Freedom collection, contact Mindy Pfab at mindy.s.pfab@gmail.com.