Taking Action Against Human Trafficking: The Jonah Project

In many communities, the complex issue of human trafficking is quietly ignored or brushed aside. “It's one of those things nobody wants to talk about it,” shared a volunteer from the Jonah Project. “Nobody wants to sit down and have these tough conversations about what's going on in this city.”

But amidst the silence, one organization stepped forward to fill the gap and forge a path to change: The Jonah Project.

This non-profit is not only raising awareness about the injustice in their community, they’re actively transforming the way survivors of human trafficking are supported. Through preventative education, direct advocacy, and emergency relocation, the Jonah Project empowers individuals, families, and entire communities to tackle this difficult issue head-on.

The nonprofit’s story began in 2014, when its founder witnessed a high school player without cleats and bought him a pair. That small act of kindness sparked a larger outreach effort, building lasting relationships and uncovering the deeper struggles of the community—especially the hidden crime of trafficking. The more the team listened, the clearer it became: schools, churches, and law enforcement were ill-prepared to address the complexities of trafficking.

“Schools were weary of discussing trafficking openly on campuses. Many churches felt it was too dark to talk about. The city did not have a plan to fight this,” they recalled.

So, they took action. The Jonah Project delivered Spokane’s first preventative training in schools, which are now mandatory, and have trained more than 200 groups in anti-trafficking. They also opened Spokane’s first Safe Home for underage victims of s*x trafficking and established a 24-hour Resource Line for urgent support. Over the years, the organization has empowered over 500 survivors, providing hope, healing, and the resources needed to start anew.

What sets The Jonah Project apart is its survivor-centered, hands-on approach, which prompted initiatives such as its mobile program. They offer both in-person and remote case management, ensuring that survivors receive trauma-sensitive care wherever they are. Furthermore, they’ve implemented effective and less costly safe housing options with ‘host homes,’ who provide a safe and more effective housing alternative to institutional settings for survivors to heal. 

The team is also dedicated to developing long-lasting relationships and genuine human connection, notably with no aging out of their programs, providing the support each person needs, including needs other groups cannot typically meet. 

For The Jonah Project, it’s always been about freedom and empowering survivors, as they aim to create opportunities for survivors to heal and be surrounded by a supportive, resourced community. Helping make this goal a reality are Bindi Tilbury and Michelina Cozzetto. 

As Executive Director of The Jonah Project for the past decade, Bindi’s strong leadership and passion for working with marginalized communities is foundational to the organization. With over 20 years of experience working with at-risk individuals, she’s made it her mission to provide the individualized support that survivors of human trafficking need. 

Providing hands-on support to the team is Michelina Cozzetto, Director of Advocacy and Case Manager. Her extensive experience, including humanitarian work in Central America, Rwanda, Nepal, and Greece, has given her invaluable insight into crisis response and survivor care. 

Bindi and Michelina, through The Jonah Project, are dedicated to helping children and families navigate to safety and healing. While survivors’ struggles were often ignored, The Jonah Project team now stands with them, empowering them to forge a new beginning. Their work offers hope to those affected by trafficking and inspires communities to take action. 

Human trafficking is no longer a silent battle, and thanks to The Jonah Project’s survivor-centered care and empowerment, more survivors are finding the support they need to rebuild their lives–ultimately changing the way communities respond to human trafficking.