Arukah Project

09/01/2026

✨ SILVER SPONSOR SHOUT OUT! ✨

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Laureen Yungmeyer at State Farm as a Silver Sponsor of our 5th Annual Freedom Gala! 💙💛

She has become such an amazing partner to Arukah Project, and we are incredibly thankful for the way she continues to come alongside our mission and support the work we do. Partners like her remind us that we truly do not do this work alone. 🫶

Thank you for believing in our mission, standing with survivors, and helping us continue the fight for freedom. We truly could not do this without you!

🎟️ Gala tickets are only on sale for TWO MORE WEEKS, and seats are going FAST! If you’re planning to join us, don’t wait—grab your tickets ASAP and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating freedom, hope, and the work ahead! ✨

Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom.

08/18/2026

💙 SO Grateful for the City of Scotts Valley! 💙

Arukah Project is incredibly grateful to the City of Scotts Valley for investing in our mission through its Community Grant Program.

This funding helps strengthen our ability to respond when survivors of human trafficking need immediate support, safety, advocacy, and resources. Investments like this remind survivors that their community sees them, believes them, and is committed to standing beside them.

We are proud to call Scotts Valley home and deeply thankful for a City that recognizes the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, strengthening community safety, and supporting meaningful solutions to combat human trafficking.

Thank you, City of Scotts Valley, for standing with Arukah Project and the survivors we serve. 💙

Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom. Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Laughing Monk Scotts Valley My Scotts Valley Exchange Club of Scotts Valley Scotts Valley Police Department

08/12/2026

🚨 JOIN US TONIGHT, AUGUST 12th AT 4 PM! 🚨

Come hang out with us at Laughing Monk Brewing for our monthly Arukah Project Fundraising Night! 🍻💙

Grab a drink, bring your friends, and support the fight for freedom — 15% of proceeds benefit Arukah Project!

✨ AND… we’re extra excited because Laughing Monk is a PLATINUM SPONSOR of our 5th Annual Freedom Gala this September! ✨

We are so grateful for businesses that don’t just say they support survivors — they show up. 💛

📍 Laughing Monk Brewing
📅 TONIGHT — August 12!

Come raise a glass, support survivors, and help us keep doing this work. SEE YOU TONIGHT! 🙌🔥

EndHumanTrafficking

08/06/2026

⚽🏆 While the world watched the games... another team was hard at work behind the scenes.**

According to KTVU FOX 2, a coordinated Bay Area Human Trafficking Task Force operation conducted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup resulted in:

💙 53 survivors identified and offered support
🧸 11 children among those survivors
🚔 25 suspected traffickers arrested
📋 41 s*x buyers cited

The operation brought together law enforcement, prosecutors, analysts, advocates, and service providers from 11 Northern California counties, demonstrating the power of collaboration in the fight against human trafficking.

Large events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals, making coordinated prevention, victim identification, and survivor support more important than ever.

At Arukah Project, we are grateful for the agencies and organizations working tirelessly every day to identify survivors, hold offenders accountable, and connect those affected with the care and support they deserve.

Together, we can continue building safer communities where exploitation has no place and every survivor has the opportunity to heal.

📰 Source: KTVU FOX 2
https://www.ktvu.com/news/human-trafficking-task-force-rescues-53-survivors-during-world-cup-games

While fans from around the world were coming together to support their teams during the World Cup, multiple Bay Area law enforcement agencies were coming together to identify and rescue survivors of human trafficking, and to arrest offenders.

07/17/2026

🚨 Monterey County Community Alert 🚨

Our hearts are with the survivor(s) at the center of this heartbreaking case. According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, a pastor has been arrested on allegations of ongoing child s*xual abuse, and investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Cases like this are a painful reminder that abuse can happen in places where children and families should feel the safest. It also reminds us why believing survivors, creating safe spaces to disclose abuse, and reporting concerns are so important.

If you or someone you know may have been harmed by this individual—or by anyone else—please know that you are not alone. Healing is possible, and support is available.

💙 Arukah Project is here to help.
📞 24/7 Hotline: (831) 419-2964
💬 Live Chat: www.arukahproject.org

If you have information related to this investigation, please contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

To every survivor reading this: What happened to you was not your fault. You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.

https://www.ksbw.com/article/pastor-child-s*xual-abuse-monterey-county-175m-bail/73172634?fbclid=Iwc3NjcATHd5VwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUKu87Z4JwzX0a7jKOGW6kHB3FbVX5GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5nRtH_8D_sE2UY19k7C9PoEcOdZqdjxXttqyqLX3GAaPoAhYumUbGbji2Wnw_aem_Mx6I7o53sI1Tueln-_xk9A&fbclid=IwcGRvZgNmZGlkFlCrvO2eCcM19Gu4yjhlupBwdxW1V-RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZ0bR__A_7BNlGNfZOwvT6BHDnWanY8V7basqi19xgGj6AIWLplGxm44tlp8_aem_Mx6I7o53sI1Tueln-_xk9A

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Hollister man for the alleged ongoing s*xual assault of a child, and authorities believe there could be additional victims.

07/05/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Arukah Project! ❤️🤍💙

Today we celebrate the freedoms so many have fought to protect. As we gather with family and friends, watch fireworks, and enjoy the gifts of this nation, we also remember those who are still waiting to experience true freedom.

For survivors of human trafficking, freedom is more than a holiday—it is safety, hope, healing, and the opportunity to rebuild a life free from exploitation.

This Independence Day, we honor their courage and remain committed to standing beside every survivor until freedom is not just a dream, but a reality.

From our Arukah Project family to yours, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July.

Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom.

If you or someone you know needs help, our team is available 24/7.

📞 Hotline: 831-419-2964
💬 Live Chat: www.arukahproject.org

06/26/2026

✨ TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW✨

There are moments that remind us how much one person can change a life.

A phone call answered in the middle of the night.

A survivor finally finding the courage to ask for help.

A child being brought to safety.

A victim hearing the words, “We believe you.”

These moments happen every day through the work of Arukah Project—and this September, we invite you to be part of the story.

💙 Join us for the 5th Annual Arukah Project Gala 💙

An unforgettable evening filled with hope, inspiration, community, and impact.

Throughout the night, you’ll hear powerful stories from the front lines of our work—stories of resilience, courage, survival, and freedom. You’ll learn about lives that have been changed, victims who found safety, and the incredible impact that supporters like YOU have made possible.

You will laugh.

You may cry.

You will leave inspired.

Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing that because of this community, survivors are finding hope, healing, and freedom.

This past year alone, Arukah Project has responded to survivors in crisis, assisted victims across multiple states, trained hundreds of professionals and community members, and continued working toward opening Hope House—the first dedicated emergency shelter for survivors of human trafficking in Santa Cruz County.

But the work is far from over.

Every day, someone is waiting for help.

Every day, someone is hoping that when they reach out, someone will answer.

Together, we can be that answer.

Join us for an incredible evening featuring inspiring speakers, survivor stories, delicious food, exciting auctions, and a community united around one mission:

Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom.

✨ September 19, 2026
✨ 5th Annual Arukah Project Gala

Because one call can save a life.
Because one survivor is worth fighting for.
Because freedom is possible.

🎟️ Tickets available now. We would be honored to have you join us.

Save the date for our 5th Annual Freedom Gala! Join us on Saturday, September 19th for an evening filled with filled with hope and purpose.

06/13/2026

🚨 HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAPPENS HERE 🚨

A recent investigation by Salinas Police into the stabbing of a 17-year-old girl led to the arrest of two individuals and uncovered evidence of child s*x trafficking.

What initially appeared to be a violent crime revealed something much deeper and more concerning. This case is a sobering reminder that human trafficking is happening in our own communities, often hidden in plain sight.

As FIFA World Cup matches continue today at Levi’s Stadium, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant. Major sporting events bring large crowds and increased tourism, which can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals. While not every large event results in increased trafficking activity, awareness and vigilance are critical in helping identify victims and preventing exploitation.

👀 Know the signs.
🗣 Trust your instincts.
☎️ Report suspicious activity.

If you suspect human trafficking:

📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
📞 Arukah Project 24/7 Hotline: 831-419-2964
💬 Chat with us at www.arukahproject.org

Together, we can help identify victims, support survivors, and protect the vulnerable.

Please take a moment to read the article below and share it with others. Awareness saves lives.

https://www.ksbw.com/article/2-arrested-teen-stabbing-human-trafficking/71565584

06/04/2026

🚨 COMMUNITY ALERT‼️ MULTI- STATE PREDATOR CASE 🚨

A Watsonville Police investigation that began with a missing teen has now expanded significantly, with investigators reporting that the suspect allegedly used social media to communicate with dozens of underage girls across multiple states. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are continuing their investigation.

🚨 Watsonville Police are asking anyone who may have had inappropriate contact or communication with Linares to come forward and contact law enforcement. Even if you are unsure whether what occurred was a crime, investigators are encouraging potential victims and witnesses to reach out.

This case is a heartbreaking reminder that exploitation often starts online. Predators frequently use social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and other digital spaces to build trust, manipulate, groom, and exploit vulnerable youth.

As parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, we must remain vigilant. Have conversations with the young people in your life about online safety, privacy, healthy relationships, and the importance of speaking up when something feels wrong.

The reality is that traffickers and predators no longer need to approach children in public places. Many are reaching them directly through the devices they carry every day.

If you suspect trafficking, online grooming, exploitation, or abuse, trust your instincts and report it. One call could save a life 🛡️

To every survivor reading this: We see you. We believe you. You are not alone, and help is available.

📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
📱 Text "BEFREE" to 233733

📞 Arukah Project 24/7 Survivor Support Hotline: (831) 419-2964

💬 If you're not ready to call or are afraid someone may overhear, you can confidentially chat with our team through our website at www.arukahproject.org

✨ Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom ✨

Read the full article here:

https://www.ksbw.com/article/watsonville-social-media-s*x-crimes-investigation/71497032

Investigators say Darwin Linares used social media to contact underage girls, often posing as a minor, and they believe more victims may still be unidentified.

06/03/2026

🍻✨ Need dinner plans tonight? We’ve got you covered! ✨🍻

Join us tonight at Laughing Monk Brewing and support survivors of human trafficking while enjoying great food, drinks, and community!

A portion of proceeds will benefit Arukah Project and help provide crisis response, emergency assistance, advocacy, and restoration services for survivors in our community and beyond.

Every meal, every drink, and every shared conversation helps make a difference. 💙

📍 Laughing Monk Brewing in Scotts Valley
📅 Tonight from 4 pm - close!

Bring your friends, family, and coworkers—we’d love to see you there!

Together, we can help bring hope, healing, and freedom to those who need it most.

Defending the Vulnerable. Protecting the Exploited. Believing Survivors. Restoring Freedom.