Leadership from Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City resorts, including Caesars, Tropicana, and Harrah’s Resort, presented AVANZAR with a $40,000 donation on behalf of The Caesars Foundation.
FROM THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
The presentation followed a one-hour informational session by AVANZAR representatives to security, surveillance, and hotel leadership about human trafficking.
“We are humbled to be a part of the fight against human trafficking by continuing to support AVANZAR in its mission of empowering individuals and families,” said Joe Lodise, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Caesars Atlantic City.
AVANZAR is committed to securing physical safety, emotional well-being, individual freedom, and economic equality for vulnerable individuals. The organization offers a range of programs and services to meet the community’s needs, from shelter and counseling to legal advocacy and community education.
“AVANZAR is grateful to receive this generous gift from the Caesars Foundation, which will allow us to hire a part-time Intensive Care Manager for the Dream Free program and, in turn, expand our services in the community and assist more vulnerable youth,” said Dawne Lomangino DiMauro, Director of Statewide Services for AVANZAR.
The Dream Free program offers trauma assessment, treatment, resilience building, and advocacy to youth in the juvenile justice system and the community who are considered to be high-risk or victims of human trafficking. Through holistic and equitable response, prevention, and intervention services, Dream Free works to move youth out of the system and create pathways that help them build positive support systems and become strong, healthy, and productive members of their communities. The program helps up to 75 youth per year and the donation will expand that by an additional 20-25, reaching close to 100.