We believe a comprehensive response to human trafficking in Colorado is possible.
Our passionate team is on a mission to inform social change that ultimately eliminates human exploitation.
Will you join us?
About Us
Our Story
In 2005, under the leadership of Amanda Finger, we formed a state chapter of the national NGO Polaris Project. At the time, the national response to human trafficking was still very new. Amanda was moved by a desire to see her generation uphold human rights more effectively. In Colorado, early efforts to combat human trafficking were isolated, uncoordinated, and disconnected from data. This reality led Amanda, alongside Dr. AnnJanette (AJ) Alejano-Steele, to establish an independent 501(c)3 in 2009 called the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT).
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In the years since, our programs have become critical to supporting survivors and strengthening Colorado’s response.
Since our official launch in 2009, we have:
- Conducted four major research projects in Colorado to drive action, inform policy change, and promote a more data-informed response to human trafficking
- Led the operation of Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting callers and texters with a growing statewide network of agencies who engage in support services
- Trained more than 53,000 community members and professionals in a position to identify and serve survivors
- Supported nearly 200 aspiring human rights leaders through our Leadership Development Program
Who We Help
Who experiences human trafficking in Colorado? These stories are based on the experiences of actual survivors. They are featured in This is Human Trafficking, Colorado’s public awareness campaign that promotes our 24/7 hotline.
LCHT exists to make stories like this a thing of the past. Your support can make that possible.
What We Do
Research and Action
“The anti-human trafficking movement needs evidence to inform not only policy but also service delivery — so that we can stop guessing, and start utilizing sustainable, survivor-informed practices to serve our most vulnerable community members.”
Kara Napolitano, LCHT Research and Training Manager
Hotline and Resource Directory
“I live on the Western Slope surrounded by rural agricultural communities. Labor trafficking happens here way more than it should and there aren’t adequate resources to help survivors. Working on the hotline gives me hope for the future!”
Kim Smith, Volunteer Hotline Advocate
Leadership Development
“LCHT has shown me what true partnership means. Human rights work can only move forward through collaboration and trusting relationships. I have learned that there is room for love, self-care, support, and trust even when you are working to combat such a terrible crime.”
Natcha S., 2022 LCHT Intern
Our Values
Integrity
We are committed to authenticity and transparency, and apply the highest ethical standards in every action that we take.
Interdisciplinary Response
We mobilize and leverage a broad range of fields, sectors, frameworks, and methods to problem-solve and make meaningful decisions.
Lived Experience
We celebrate resilience in individual experiences, bringing in all voices to inform what we do and how we lead.
Research-Driven Insight
We synthesize data, facts, and knowledge, drawn from diverse sources, to drive social change.
Social Justice
We honor and support inclusion across diverse experiences and intersectional identities, and recognize that all systems of oppression are interconnected.
Human Rights
We promote the protection of freedom, dignity, and access to human rights for all people.
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