The holiday season is a time of giving, gratitude, and reflection. This year, we’re reflecting not only on what we give, but how we give — and how we can better protect the communities we serve.
At Points West Community Bank, safeguarding our communities is part of our responsibility. That commitment extends beyond financial security and into the well-being and dignity of people across Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Recently, Lindsey Stern of Viable Consulting Services, one of our external auditors, proposed a meaningful idea: donating to an anti–human trafficking organization in each of the states we serve, in our name. We were honored by the gesture — and proud to match it.
“Human trafficking often doesn’t look like people expect it to, and those being trafficked as victims often don’t behave like people would expect them to,” Stern said. “That reality is part of why awareness — especially in trusted community institutions — matters so much.”
Together, our matched contributions support three extraordinary nonprofits leading the fight against exploitation at the local level:
- HALT Human Trafficking Fund (Nebraska)
- Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (Colorado)
- Uprising (Wyoming)
To understand why this work matters — and why banks have a role to play — it’s important to understand what human trafficking really is, what it isn’t, and how it often hides in plain sight.
Misconceptions About Human Trafficking — and the Reality
Myth #1: “Human trafficking only happens in big cities or overseas.”
Reality: Human trafficking occurs everywhere — including small towns, rural areas, and close-knit communities.
The HALT Human Trafficking Fund notes that trafficking happens across the state of Nebraska — in both small towns and large cities. Nationwide, exploitation can exist in places many wouldn’t expect, including agricultural operations, construction sites, factories, hotels, restaurants, and nail salons.
As Lindsey explains, “Industries we commonly see labor trafficking in include agricultural, construction, factories, hospitality — meaning hotels and restaurants — and nail salons, to name a few.”
Myth #2: “Trafficking is always about sex.”
Reality: While sex trafficking is a devastating and very real part of the problem, human trafficking also includes labor trafficking, which experts believe is actually more common.
“It’s important to note there are two common forms of human trafficking,” Lindsey notes. “One is sex trafficking — the other is labor trafficking. Labor trafficking is actually believed by experts to be the more common.”
Trafficking is defined not by the type of work, but by exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion.
Myth #3: “Victims can just leave if they want to.”
Reality: This is one of the most damaging misconceptions.
“I’ve commonly heard, ‘Why don’t they try to run away or escape?’” Lindsey says. “The reasons are numerous, but mainly it’s not having the means.”
In many cases, traffickers confiscate identification documents, withhold money, or threaten harm to victims or their families. “Think about the challenges of trying to go anywhere without identification and no money,” she adds. “Many people will endure the unthinkable in an effort to protect their family.”
Warning Signs: What to Look Out For
Because trafficking often doesn’t align with our assumptions, recognizing red flags is critical. Anti-trafficking organizations — and professionals like Lindsey — highlight several common indicators:
Unusual living or working conditions
- Overcrowded housing
- Individuals living where they work
- Long hours with little or no pay
Control by others
- Employers, parents, romantic partners, or others who appear to control the individual
- Someone else speaking exclusively on their behalf
“Some key things to look for include people living in overcrowded homes and individuals who appear to be in control of their victims,” Lindsey explains.
Behavioral indicators
- Fear, anxiety, or reluctance to speak
- Limited personal freedom
“It’s also important to remember that traffickers do not match a particular demographic or background,” Lindsey emphasizes. “Traffickers of all races and all ages have been arrested — and many times women are facilitators because they are better able to initially develop a relationship of trust with the victim.”
Why Banks Matter — and Why We’re Stepping Up
So why is a bank talking about human trafficking?
Because financial institutions are uniquely positioned to help identify and disrupt it.
“Banks, through increased awareness of behaviors, are able to play a role in combatting human trafficking simply because they see the movement of the money — which is the basis behind all human trafficking,” Lindsey explains.
Banks may notice:
- Unusual transaction patterns
- Accounts that don’t align with known business or personal activity
- Frequent cash movement or third-party control
Along with regulatory obligations to report suspicious activity, community banks also hold a position of trust. That trust allows us to raise awareness, support prevention, and invest strategically — not just responding after harm occurs, but helping stop it earlier.
That’s why we supported Lindsey’s proposal and chose to match the donations. This effort is about more than funding — it’s about education, vigilance, and responsibility.
Spotlight: The Organizations We’re Proud to Support
HALT Human Trafficking Fund (Nebraska)
Established in 2024 by the Nebraska banking industry through the Nebraska Bankers Association, HALT focuses on prevention through education, research, and technology-driven solutions.
Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (Colorado)
Founded in 2005, LCHT leads statewide efforts including a 24/7 human trafficking hotline, professional training, survivor-informed research, and leadership development.
Uprising (Wyoming)
Based in Sheridan, WY, Uprising empowers communities through education, awareness, and outreach. Their GRIT (Greater Rockies Immersive Training) program strengthens how exploitation-based crimes are identified and addressed across the region.
How You Can Help — Right Here in Your Community
Everyone has a role to play:
Advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations
Educate yourself and others
Volunteer with local organizations
Talk openly with youth about job offers and red flags
Support ethical businesses
Donate to prevention and survivor services
Why This Matters — Especially Now
Human trafficking is not distant or abstract. It exists in real communities — including ours.
Financial activity can reveal more than balances and transactions. Sometimes, it reveals coercion, control, and exploitation. As a bank, we hold a position of responsibility. We see patterns. We have compliance obligations.
By donating, matching, and raising awareness, we’re putting those values into action — alongside professionals like Lindsey Stern and the organizations working every day to protect human dignity.
Now, we invite you to learn more, stay alert, and join us in helping create safer, stronger communities.