I'm a longtime investigative journalist in San Diego. In this role I've reported on a wide range of subjects, frequently uncovering misdeeds in both the private and public sectors. Of the hundreds of stories I produced, one had the most profound effect on my life. It eventually led me to produce many stories over the years spotlighting the slave trade, the trafficking of humans, and it all began with an interview with a 13-year-old Mexican girl. I still remember her big brown eyes and soft voice. Such a sweet girl and it was shocking to learn she had "serviced" workers who picked strawberries in the fields of San Diego's North County. Alongside the neat rows of strawberries was a stand of duckweed, tall enough to hide a person. Walking through the area you could see paths cut through the damp grounds going in all directions. Scattered along those paths and alcoves that had been cut out of the weeds were discarded clothes, condoms, beer cans and tequila bottles. It was here where the young girl would meet the men. It was so ugly, so wrong, it made me angry and depressed. I decided I had to do more than report on this problem. I joined with Marisa Ugarte and Anne Hoiberg to help give birth to the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition. It hasn't always been easy, we have constantly struggled with funding. Initially the issue was because we were one of the few voices speaking out about this crime. Now, our funding still is a consistent worry because many other groups and individuals have joined the fight. Some are legitimate efforts, others not so much. There is only so much money to go around but we still must continue our work. Please consider the BSCC if you want to support our worthy mission.
I can’t find enough words to describe how wonderful this organization is and the endless hours Marisa and her team put into it. Saving one life at a times is what they do, there is no hours of the day that she is not open to go out and save a victim. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the team!
I have been a board member of BSCC for over 3 years. Not only am on the board, but our family have been a client of BSCC during a rescue effort. I have personally known Marisa Ugarte for over 6 years and have been in awe of the hard work and her perseverance of her dedication to rescuing trafficking and labor victims. She relentlessly spends days/hours/mins/seconds in correspondence to law enforcement requests both locally and internationally in efforts of rescuing victims. The COVID-19 pandemic may have shutdown stores, business, but human trafficking in all its facets has skyrocketed into dangerous levels. Marisa and the BSCC team collaboratively through educating the public, law enforcement agencies, schools to recognize and help stop human trafficking through stopping the demand. No buyers, no demand, no victims.
I am honored to be a current board member with Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition. This organization has touched my heart deeply, as it is focused on actively helping the victims and survivors of human trafficking in my beloved San Diego- as well as in Tijuana, MX. The Founder and Executive Director tirelessly works to help fight this terrible crime, as well as helping nurture those rescued. My fellow board members are very professional and run this organization very well. I recommend this organization to everyone and anyone with a heart!
As a Case Manager at BSCC has been an amazing , great experience ever in my carrier.
It is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to victims/survivors of human trafficking through client driven wellness and recovery model that is strength based, culturally relevant, trauma informed, consumer driven, and outcome based. Our responsibility as CM includes providing information about crime victims’ rights, crisis stabilization, safety planning, law enforcement and victim advocacy, and service planning in support of recovery and self-sufficiency. Will Continue supporting emotional and moral for every client at the BSCC Organization.
I have known the work of BSCC for more than 20 years, its actions in favor of victims of human trafficking is invaluable, its work in informing society in general about the phenomenon is of great value, and especially the care to the clients is an example to follow. I recommend that you learn more about this organization and support its work.
This organization, and it's leader Marisa Ugarte, have dedicated over 20 years to identifying and combating multiple forms of Human Trafficking. This includes sex trafficking, but it also includes things people do not think of as often, such as labor-trafficking (slavery, indentured servitude) and child trafficking.
Located in San Diego, this border community sees much of the devastation of human trafficking. The people here at BSCC nurture, protect and advocate for those that have been trapped by human trafficking. They help the victims find their families, get immigration help, provide food, shelter, legal and medical care, and ensure that persons removed for these dreadful situations do not become victims a second time.
The staff is caring, dedicated and exceptionally knowledgeable. They have worked with consulates and law enforcement throughout North, Central and South America. They care, and they get real results.
This organisation helped me a lot. It is the only nonprofit with an emergency shelter that is open 24/7. They don’t have restrictions for women who doesn’t have kids. They provide safe housing and food to their clients as well as help to get other services such as therapist or medical. They are amazing! I truly appreciate all their help.
I have been a board member of BSCC for nearly four years and am still in awe of the hard work and dedication of Marisa Ugarte , founder and executive director of BSCC. She was one of the first community leaders to fight human trafficking, beginning in the late 1990s. She is a hands-on director, personally responding to victims at any hour of the day or night. She is selfless when helping these individuals free themselves from the control of their traffickers.
We need more organizations like BSCC across the country to fight this crime.
I have been a board member of BSCC for 10 years and have witnessed the hard work and perseverance of the Executive Director, Marisa Ugarte. I can attest to her dedication to rescuing trafficking and labor victims. She responds to law enforcement requests for assistance in rescuing a victim 24 hours a day, even in the current pandemic. She and her staff assist clients/victims in obtaining work permits, medical evaluations, emergency and transitional housing and all relative governmental or agency benefits. She has presented trainings to community groups, law enforcement, and various levels of student education on the recognition and prevention of human trafficking for many years.
BSCC is a very special organization. It has been the primary emergency response service provider for victims of human trafficking in San Diego for over two decades. BSCC has served hundreds of clients, provided training and education to thousands of people and has been at the forefront of solutions to fight human trafficking for over 20 years. I feel honored to be a part of BSCC and its life saving mission.