We have been working with Erie DAWN (Dwellings and Advocacy for Women in Need) and Mercyhurst University Ridge School of Intelligence to start an Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition in Erie, PA. Coalition Force – Erie will gather professionals from community organizations, law enforcement, universities among others who are interested in combating human trafficking locally. The coalition will be based at Mercyhurst University where its first meeting was held in September. The university’s anti-human trafficking cell which researches and collects data on human trafficking will be utilized. The coalition’s mission is to bring together community organizations to develop a plan to combat the problem. Sister Mary Claire Kennedy, SSJ, who in 2005 was instrumental in beginning local efforts to educate our community about human trafficking and working to stop it was on hand for the meeting.