A Day to Raise Awareness

By Katie McFadden

Saturday, May 10, was a day to raise awareness for things like human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault in honor of Missing Children’s Day and Denim Day. Theresa Racine of Xtrememeasure spearheaded an event at St. Rose of Lima Church that served to inspire, educate and empower everyone to fight back against these horrific things.

The day began with a few words by Racine about the event and a prayer led by Moises Reyes, followed by a touching musical performance by the children of St. Rose’s Baby Jesus Choir. As they sang, everyone in attendance was handed a pinwheel to stick into the grass around a tree. Racine said the 100 pinwheels represented 100 missing children that they hope return home one day. Racine then shared stories of her daughter who became a victim of sex trafficking, followed by Melissa Washington who shared her story of her brother who went missing in October 2011, whose body was just found in March 2024 after he was murdered. “Please listen to your parents,” Washington said.

Valerie Washington then performed an inspiring praise dance in honor of sexual assault survivors. After that touching moment, Kesha’s song “Praying” was played as everyone was asked to grab a piece of chalk and write messages from the heart all around the parking lot, such as “Live your life to the fullest and “Love all.” To get everyone’s blood pumping, Veronica Caicedo then led a fun Zumba class.

Inside, workshops began, starting with ADA Jessica Melton, who provided an informational presentation about human trafficking, explaining the definition, who is vulnerable and then real-life cases involving victims and perpetrators who were eventually arrested. Peter DiMiceli, founder and president of Protect Our Children, a New York-based organization with a mission of finding missing children, spoke about the vulnerabilities of children online and how they can fall victim to predators. NYPD Crime Prevention Officer Jason Farrell followed up on this, providing more detail. Inside were also giveaways, including jeans, Mother’s Day baskets made by Kenaisha Warren, plus food donated by Stop & Shop, Elegante and more. Madeline Tricarico and Shane Kulman also worked on art projects with all in attendance.

Outside, DJ Crystal Liburd played music while Reyes led a self-defense seminar, showing volunteers how to break free and defend themselves from situations where a predator attacks them. Jennifer Streetman led a cardio kickboxing class. Several tables were also set up to hand out resources, including the NYPD, DA Melinda Katz’s office, New Day Treatment Center, the Campaign Against Hunger, Queens Community Justice Center and more. Kami-Leigh Agard of Rockaway Beach Autism Familied also spoke about autism and missing children.

Overall, Racine said the event was a success. “The change in venue allowed me to leverage both indoor and outdoor spaces. I felt that the workshops were exceptionally informative, with Pete and Officer Farrell providing critical insights for parents and children. As Officer Farrell pointed out, the world has changed significantly, with the constant presence of online platforms making it a 24/7 challenge, whereas previously, children could find refuge at home after school. Although the subject matter was somewhat difficult to hear, I believe those in attendance grasped the message clearly,” Racine said. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many inquiring about the lack of educational initiatives in the neighborhood for parents and children. We had over 100 attendees despite three other major events taking place in the immediate vicinity. I plan to continue my current partnerships and aim to expand our offerings next year, with the goal of adding more workshops and attendees.”