Delaware, Ohio – The COhatch Newstand in Delaware, Ohio is stepping up to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. The popular coworking space and community hub will be participating in the Gracehaven Over The Edge event, where individuals will rappel down the side of a building to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
Among the courageous participants representing COhatch is Laurie Lendon, the Community Manager of the COhatch Delaware location. Lendon had initially set a goal of skydiving when she turned 60, but due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, her plans were put on hold. When she heard about the opportunity to rappel down a building for a good cause, Lendon was immediately intrigued.
“We had a COhatch-wide contest to see who’d get to go, and I think that everyone is thrilled that I’m doing it so that they don’t have to,” Lendon jokingly shared. She recognizes the gravity of the issue at hand and hopes her participation will inspire others to take action. “The horror of human trafficking can’t be fathomed, much less prevented until there is more awareness and action,” Lendon expressed.
Joining Lendon in supporting Gracehaven and their important mission is Jorge Sanclemente, who holds the distinction of renting the very first office in Delaware before the COhatch location was even opened. Sanclemente, owner of Planet Marca located within COhatch, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to rappel for this worthwhile cause. “Gracehaven is doing exceptional work in serving Central Ohio victims of human trafficking. Join me in this endeavor as we bring positive change together,” Sanclemente urged.
The Over The Edge event will take place at The Chase Tower, a towering 330-foot structure in the heart of downtown Columbus. The first 114 individuals who raise a minimum of $1,250 will earn a coveted spot to go Over the Edge and support the cause to end child sex-trafficking.
The urgency of the situation is apparent, with over 1,100 youth falling victim to sex-trafficking in Ohio every year. Gracehaven, an outreach of Central Ohio Youth for Christ, is the sole organization in the state providing specialty care and safe house services to minors who have been trafficked and exploited.
Through their participation in the Gracehaven Over The Edge event, COhatch and its representatives hope to bring hope and healing to those affected by human trafficking. The funds raised will support Gracehaven’s efforts to provide direct services to 120 individuals and prevention education to an additional 1,210 annually.
To learn more about the Gracehaven Over The Edge event and to make a generous donation, please visit their website at https://gracehavenovertheedge.com/.