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New York in the Valley event to benefit area safe house

PLANNING EVENT — Working on plans for a Feb. 25 fundraiser to benefit Refuge 1:99 are, from left, Shari Prichard, board chair; Jill Jones, owner J.Jones Evening Wear; Phyllis Riccadonna, event co-chair; and Alex Taylor of WTOV-TV, master of ceremonies. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Human trafficking is no longer an international issue, but one that touches every state, including Ohio. The Buckeye State is listed as among the top five states for reported calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, according to 2017 data. However, across the country there are less than 500 beds in residential programs, and this prompted one local nonprofit to do something.

Women in the Word Ministries, a 501(c)3, is opening Refuge 1:99, a long-term adult residential program for trafficking victims. The home is scheduled to open this month, and fundraising events are under way.

One of those events is New York in the Valley, scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Steubenville Country Club.

The event will feature J.Jones Evening Wear, a Chinese auction and light refreshments. Tickets are $30 each, with tables of eight available. Phyllis Riccadonna and Beth Rupert-Warren are co-chairs for the event. Shari Prichard, board chair, will give a presentation on human trafficking from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Alex Taylor of WTOV-TV will be master of ceremonies.

The fashion show will include prom, wedding and adult evening wear. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to win a special door prize — a $250 certificate that can be used toward a prom gown donated by Jill Jones of J.Jones Evening Wear.

Tickets can be purchased at Iacovissi in the Hollywood Shopping Plaza; at McDonnell Chiropractic, 2315 Sunset Blvd.; or by calling Riccadonna at (740) 317-3868.

The home will be staffed by social workers, nurses and trained volunteers 24-7, officials explained.

Refuge 1:99 will offer mental, physical and spiritual healing as well as educational and job readiness. It is a member of Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Anti-Trafficking Commission as well as local task forces.

“This is the only safe house in the Ohio Valley,” Riccadonna explained. “It’s critical that members of the community support this effort.”

Board members include Prichard; Theresa Golden, executive director; Brittney Williams; Chatt Golden; Melody McClurg; Denise Smith; Rupert-Warren; Craig Allen; Kelli Sarlo; and Riccadonna.

For information about the facility, call Prichard at (740) 317-0823.

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