Twenty years can make a difference—and in the movement to end human trafficking in Colorado, it already has. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking. Over the past two decades, advocates, survivor leaders, and community members have transformed the way our state responds to exploitation. This post is part of our series reflecting on the past, present, and future of Colorado’s anti-trafficking movement. To read more about these milestone moments that you’ve helped make possible, download our brand-new Gratitude Report!
When the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking was founded, the national response to human trafficking had just begun. At the time, there was little awareness about this human rights issue that was happening in our own communities—not only in foreign countries, like most people thought. The systems needed to prevent this crime and support survivors simply did not exist.
But LCHT Co-founders Amanda Finger and Annjanette “AJ” Alejano-Steele believed in a coordinated, data-driven approach that could change that. What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a statewide movement transforming how Colorado (and beyond) recognizes and responds to human trafficking.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the power of collective action. Today, our state is as equipped as it’s ever been to tackle this complex, urgent issue. Join us in looking back at 20 milestone moments that have shaped the movement to create safer, more just communities for all Coloradans.
1. 2005: LCHT is founded in Colorado as a state chapter of Polaris Project
Amanda Finger began the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking as a state chapter of the national organization, Polaris Project, to develop anti-trafficking efforts. LCHT set out to build a localized response in Colorado to human trafficking. Amanda knew that data would be a crucial tool for understanding and eradicating labor and sex exploitation throughout the state.
2. 2005: LCHT helps launch CoNEHT, Colorado’s first statewide anti-trafficking referral network, and begins training law enforcement and service providers
LCHT was part of the partnership to launch the Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking (CoNEHT), the first statewide referral network for trafficking survivors. It connected survivors to essential services and created a structured, coordinated response for the agencies working to support them.
The same year, LCHT was invited to co-train law enforcement and service providers. Training equipped these frontline workers with the tools and knowledge to identify and respond to human trafficking in their everyday work.
3. 2005: The first intern joins LCHT, laying the groundwork for the Leadership Development Program
The addition of the first intern in 2005 began what would become LCHT’s Leadership Development Program. This internship program offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to the anti-trafficking field and parallel human rights movements.
4. 2009: LCHT becomes an independent 501(c)3
In 2009, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking officially became a nonprofit organization, solidifying its role as a leading anti-trafficking organization in Colorado. With the support of early donors, LCHT was able to respond more flexibly to community needs as an independent organization.
5. 2010: LCHT receives its first major grant from the Embrey Family Foundation to pursue research
The Embrey Family Foundation provided LCHT with its first major grant! This grant allowed LCHT to launch community-based research on human trafficking in Colorado, providing important data that would guide statewide policies and programs. Committed to data-driven advocacy, LCHT’s research ensures that initiatives to end human trafficking are based on evidence and include the voices of those most affected by human trafficking.
6. 2012: LCHT publishes “Prostitution and Denver’s Criminal Justice System: Who Pays?”
LCHT’s first published report was titled “Prostitution and Denver’s Criminal Justice System: Who Pays?” The report shed light on the intersection between prostitution and the criminal justice system in Denver, focusing on the systemic failures and inequities that disproportionately affect individuals involved in sex work. The criminal justice system often criminalizes those being exploited, and this report called for a shift to address the root causes and support needed for survivors of human trafficking.
7. 2013: The original Colorado Project and first Action Plan are published
The original Colorado Project Report and Action Plan offered a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap for addressing human trafficking in Colorado. This report was the first of its kind in the state. It served as a guide for government agencies, service providers, and community organizations to coordinate and prioritize response efforts.
8. 2013: LCHT assumes full-time operations of Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline and makes it available 24/7
In 2013, LCHT took full responsibility for operating Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline. We made it available 24/7 so that survivors and individuals reporting a tip could get help at any time of day or night. Staffed by Volunteer Advocates, the Hotline connects survivors with shelter, legal aid, medical care, and other essential services.
9. 2014: LCHT testifies and supports the improvement of Colorado state human trafficking laws to be aligned with federal recommendations, which also establishes the Colorado Human Trafficking Council
LCHT testified to improve Colorado’s state human trafficking laws and align them with federal recommendations. This included advocating for stronger protections for survivors and clearer legal pathways to prosecute traffickers.
The successful push for these changes also established the Colorado Human Trafficking Council, which brings together experts from law enforcement, state agencies, prosecutors, survivor leaders, and others to respond to this crime and provide input on statewide legislation. Executive Director Amanda Finger is a current Council member.
10. 2016, effective 2017: Colorado’s Child Welfare Anti-Trafficking legislation passes with LCHT’s support
LCHT helped inform changes to the Colorado Children’s Code, a landmark effort that provided guidance for Colorado counties to assess and respond to human trafficking of minors. It has made Colorado’s child welfare system better equipped to identify and respond to trafficking and exploitation.
11. 2017: LCHT receives significant funding to expand training for healthcare providers
This funding allowed LCHT to train thousands of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals across Colorado to recognize the signs of human trafficking and respond appropriately. More than 80% of survivors report visiting a healthcare setting while they were being trafficked. This puts healthcare providers in a unique position to identify potential situations of exploitation and safely intervene without increasing risk for survivors.
12. 2018: Launch of LCHT’s Lab Catalyst monthly donor program
Lab Catalyst monthly donors have become an essential part of sustaining the 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline, training more professionals, fueling research, and mentoring rising human rights leaders. As the Hotline loses 30% of its funding due to federal budget cuts in 2025, Lab Catalysts are helping to fill this critical gap.
In celebration of 20 years of anti-trafficking work in Colorado, our goal is to recruit at least 20 new Lab Catalyst monthly donors this year. Join this impactful community—just $10 or $20/month makes a meaningful difference.
13. 2019: The Colorado Project 2019 Report and Action Plan are released
The Colorado Project 2019 Report and Action Plan built upon the findings and recommendations for the statewide anti-trafficking movement in the original report. The 2019 initiative provided an update on progress, identified gaps and areas for improvement, and set forth a clear path for continued action to address sex and labor trafficking in Colorado.
14. 2019: LCHT’s Online Resource Directory and textline expand the reach of Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline
LCHT added an Online Resource Directory and a textline to expand Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline. The textline made it easier for survivors and concerned individuals to reach out for help, especially those who might not be able to safely make a phone call. The Online Resource Directory provided another option, listing 200+ services available to trafficking survivors, ranging from mental health care and legal assistance to housing support and substance use recovery.
15. 2020: The Hotline is selected for the statewide anti-trafficking public awareness campaign, ThisIsHumanTrafficking.com
Our Hotline was selected as the featured resource in the statewide anti-trafficking public awareness campaign, ThisIsHumanTrafficking.com. This campaign raised awareness about human trafficking in Colorado and provided important information on how to get help.
16. 2022: LCHT testified in support of a statewide Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, in partnership with Native communities
LCHT supported the passage of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) legislation, which created a dedicated office to improve the response to missing and murdered Indigenous persons in Colorado, which includes human trafficking victims. Native Americans, living on and off reservations, face marginalization that makes them vulnerable to human trafficking. Collaboration across movements is key to eliminating exploitation.
17. 2022: LCHT’s training numbers surpass 75,000 community members and professionals
Surpassing 75,000 community members and professionals trained reflected the growing recognition of human trafficking as a critical issue. The more people trained to recognize and respond to trafficking, the wider the support network for survivors. Learn more about training for your team or community group.
18. 2023: The Colorado Project 2023 Report and Action Plan is released
The Colorado Project 2023 Report and Action Plan continued to build on previous reports, providing a snapshot of progress made and remaining challenges. This iteration emphasized housing instability and homelessness as both a cause and consequence of human trafficking.
19. 2024: LCHT’s Leadership Development Program celebrates over 200 interns
Nineteen years after the first intern joined LCHT, the 200th intern did! The Leadership Development Program has grown to provide training, mentorship, and scholarships to individuals passionate about human rights and anti-trafficking work, kickstarting their careers. Former interns have gone on to work in parallel and intersecting issues. Learn more about our internship program, which will welcome its summer cohort in June.
20. 2024: “Make It Possible” becomes LCHT’s most successful campaign, raising nearly $200,000
LCHT’s December 2024 “Make It Possible” campaign became the organization’s most successful fundraising campaign to date, raising nearly $200,000. About 600 generous supporters gave to make the end of human trafficking in Colorado possible.
BONUS MILESTONE MOMENT: On May 22, 2025, LCHT’s 20th anniversary celebration brought together survivor leaders, volunteers, supporters, partners, and advocates to reflect on two decades of impact. It was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come together in addressing human trafficking in Colorado—and how urgent it is to continue this work. We’re excited for what the next 20 years can hold for our mission to end this crime for good.
The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking’s celebration of 20 years is not just about us—it’s about YOU, the community who has made this milestone possible. We are grateful for everyone who has been a part of this movement.
Twenty years can make a real difference, and in the case of human trafficking in Colorado, it certainly has. Our Gratitude Report captures more of the milestones, stories, and partnerships that have defined LCHT’s journey. Check it out to find out more about the past two decades of progress—powered by you.