Jo Lisa Blossom, Director of Development for the nonprofit organization “Into the Light,” is set to speak Tuesday at 6 p.m. during the Baxter County Historical Society’s meeting. The event will take place at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County and is open to the public.
Blossom’s presentation will share local efforts to combat child sex trafficking, a challenging and often hidden issue affecting young people in the region. Blossom, who has served as a development professional for nearly two decades, has been part of “Into the Light” since 2020. Originally from the West Coast, she now resides in Baxter County and is the author of a memoir, *Pillar in the Temple,* which is available at the library and other outlets.
“Into the Light” began in 2012 when a prayer group at a local church in Mountain Home decided to take action against child trafficking. The group started with simple awareness efforts before formalizing into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group now works directly with juvenile detention centers to provide outreach to victims, trains law enforcement to recognize signs of trafficking, and offers support for survivors.
Since its founding in Mountain Home, “Into the Light” has expanded its presence with additional offices in Springdale and Little Rock. In 2023, the organization signed a formal agreement with the state of Arkansas to enhance its ability to support survivors. According to the group, victims are often between the ages of 12 and 17. Last year, the nonprofit supported more than 300 individuals across 31 counties in north-central, northwest, and central Arkansas.
The Baxter County Historical Society, which invited Blossom to speak, has endorsed efforts to raise awareness about the issue. Society board member Sonny Sharp described the program as an important yet difficult topic to address.
Additional information about “Into the Light” is available at intothelightus.org. The public is encouraged to attend Tuesday’s meeting to learn more about the organization’s work and the ongoing fight against child trafficking.