Build Today. Thrive Tomorrow.
Help us furnish our newly renovated Major Street office, creating a welcoming hub for survivors of human trafficking, refugees, and refugee youth. Thanks to Lowe's support, we've completed the renovations—now we need your help to make this space a nurturing environment where healing begins.
Your tax-deductible gift helps AAU build the foundation today for Utah's most vulnerable community members, so they can thrive tomorrow.
The Need is Urgent
In 2023, we served over 942 human trafficking survivors in Utah. Our services are stretched to capacity, and the need continues to grow. As Utah's primary provider of comprehensive trafficking victim services, we must expand to meet this critical moment.
Your Impact
Your year-end gift will help furnish our newly renovated Major Street office in Salt Lake City's Ballpark neighborhood. The renovated and furnished facility will serve as a centralized hub for AAU's Human Trafficking Support team, enabling us to provide more efficient and effective services. While we've completed major renovations thanks to Lowe's generous support, we now need your help to create a welcoming, functional space for survivors to begin their journey toward healing and self-sufficiency.
Your donation will provide:
- Essential office furniture for client meetings and support services
- Desk spaces for our dedicated case management team
- Furnishing for group therapy sessions
- A welcoming kids' room where children can feel safe and comfortable while their families receive services
- Comfortable chairs and couches to create warm, inviting spaces throughout the building
- A library room offering a quiet sanctuary for reading, reflection, and relaxation
Why Now?
The challenges facing Utah's refugee and trafficking survivor communities are staggering:
- A 173% increase in survivors needing services over the past 4 years
- Over 290 trafficking victims identified in Utah last year alone
- Over 910 human trafficking referrals for services received since 2020
- Demand for English language learning in refugee communities far exceeds our current classroom capacity
Campaign Update
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Follow along to see how we have transformed the Major Street building from a storage space to a community hub again.
About AAU
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.
Make Your Gift Today
Your year-end donation will help create a safe, welcoming space where survivors can begin their journey toward healing and independence. Together, we can build the foundation for a better tomorrow.
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Andrea Sherman (M.Ed., SSW), Director of Human Trafficking Support TeamThe survivor is the expert of their own life, so our programs are survivor-driven. We do not decide their goals for them, nor do we advise them to take certain actions before they are prepared. It is their innate resilience that enables our clients to succeed. We merely counsel them, providing the necessary material resources on their unique journeys to self-sufficiency, dignity and freedom."
