Pattison Park was buzzing with the sounds of children playing, food sizzling on the grill, and raffle winners excitedly claiming their prizes. The second annual Summer Safety Family Fun Day, a joint effort of Glenville and East Cleveland, brought together over 400 residents for a day of education, entertainment and community. Organized by Strong Hands United, the event aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide resources to families.
Strong Hands United, led by Executive Director Chalana Freed with her husband Curtis Freed, founder and outreach director, has been a pivotal force in the community since its founding in 2015. Initially focused on children with incarcerated parents, the organization shifted its mission during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize children’s safety and human trafficking awareness. “Human trafficking is not what most people think,” Chalana Freed explained. “It’s a crisis happening right here in Ohio, often hidden in plain sight.”
Ohio ranks among the top five states in the U.S. for human trafficking, a statistic driven by factors such as proximity to water, extensive highway networks and a mix of urban and rural areas. This makes it easy for traffickers to move unnoticed and exploit vulnerabilities in at-risk populations, Freed noted, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.
The event featured a range of activities and resources. Attendees enjoyed performances by the Shaw High School Marching Band, interacted with mounted police horses, and participated in games and activities like bounce houses and gaming trucks. A highlight of the day was the bike raffle, a beloved tradition made possible through a partnership with Walmart and local bike shops, Banana for Bikes and Upcycles, which repair bikes for low cost. This year, 40 refurbished bikes were given away to delighted children. Curtis Freed, was all smiles as he broadcast on Facebook for “everyone to come on out, everything is free. We have food, clothes, shoes and more”
Strong Hands United’s partners offer all resources at the event for free. Mrs. Freed reflected on times when kids felt excluded because they weren’t able to have access to different activities at a community day and she wants to remedy that. These partnerships extend beyond the event. Organizations like Food Strong, Right Direction, and the Howard Huskies contributed to the day’s success. These partnerships are crucial, not only for event support but also for the ongoing work in the community. “We have strength in numbers,” Mrs. Freed said, referring to their collaborative efforts with other local nonprofits.
The event also provided a platform for educating families about human trafficking. Strong Hands United’s approach includes situational skits and interactive sessions designed to teach children and parents about safety. The organization’s mascot, Victoria the Wise Owl, helps deliver important messages in a child-friendly manner. “I was just passing by, like I do normally, and saw all of this going on, so I went and got my niece and nephew so they could enjoy. It’s been fun,” one festival participant told The Land.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the event maintained a joyful atmosphere. “We want children to feel safe and supported, not scared,” the Executive Director emphasized. The event was not only about raising awareness but also about fostering a sense of community and resilience.
As the day concluded, Mrs. Freed reminded attendees of the importance of awareness and education in combating human trafficking. “If we knew better, we would do better,” she urged. The fight against this hidden epidemic requires a united community, and events like the Summer Safety and Family Fun Day are a step towards that goal.
For more information about Strong Hands United and their initiatives, visit their website or attend one of their community training sessions.
This story was published in partnership with The East Clevelander Magazine.
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