SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The Asian Association of Utah (AAU), a 47-year-old pillar of Utah's community service organizations and home to the Utah Asian Festival—the longest-running festival of its kind west of the Mississippi—today announced the launch of its "Build Today. Thrive Tomorrow." end-of-year giving campaign. The initiative aims to furnish the recently renovated Major Street office in the Ballpark neighborhood, enabling the expansion of critical services for human trafficking survivors and refugee communities.
As Utah's primary victim service provider focused on human trafficking, AAU has seen a dramatic 129% increase in survivor referrals in the past 2.5 years. In 2023 alone, the organization provided vital support to 942 victims but still demand consistently exceeded capacity in staffing, caseloads, and funding with 381 survivors waiting to be assigned a case manager.
"The challenges facing our refugee and human trafficking victim communities are immense," said Scott Cougill, Executive Director at AAU. "From trauma and extreme poverty to language barriers and limited access to employment, the needs continue to grow. This campaign will help us meet these challenges head-on."
Thanks to a Lowe's Hometowns grant and volunteer support, AAU has successfully begun renovating its former office building. While the initial renovation has addressed critical infrastructure needs, including a necessary HVAC system replacement, the organization now seeks community support to furnish the space with essential office equipment. The funds raised through this campaign will be used specifically to provide desks, chairs, and boardroom materials, creating a functional workspace for AAU's dedicated Human Trafficking Support staff and the clients they serve.
The timing is crucial, as recent statistics reveal Utah's growing human trafficking crisis. The Utah Attorney General's Office opened 44 new human trafficking investigations in 2023, identifying 297 victims, with 92% being labor trafficking victims. AAU has received over 910 referrals for services in the past four years, highlighting the urgent need for expanded facilities.
The renovated and furnished facility will serve as a centralized hub for AAU's Human Trafficking Support team, enabling them to provide more efficient and effective services. With a staff of over fifty members representing seventeen nationalities and speaking more than thirty languages, AAU is uniquely positioned to serve trafficking survivors and refugees from all backgrounds.
Community members interested in supporting AAU's mission can make tax-deductible donations through aau-slc.org/build. Every contribution helps create a welcoming, functional space where survivors can receive the support they need to build self-sufficient, thriving lives.
About Asian Association of Utah
Originally established in 1977, the Asian Association of Utah engages, equips, and empowers victims of human trafficking, refugee youth, and refugees from all over the world to improve, become self-sufficient, and thrive. Working closely with Utah resettlement agencies, Utah State Refugee Office, refugee communities, state protective services, Utah's Attorney General Office, law enforcement, and the United States Department of Justice, AAU provides comprehensive trauma-informed and culturally relevant support services including case management, employment assistance, therapeutic counseling, mental health treatment, English classes, afterschool programs, and youth mentoring.
For more information about AAU or to make a donation, please visit aau-slc.org or contact communications@aau-slc.org
