Melissa Alvarez

IN OUR BACKYARD (IOB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit links arms across America in the fight against human trafficking through education, partnership, and mobilization. Through more than a decade of dedication to this issue ‒ from prevention to restoration ‒ IOB has collaborated with top law enforcement, survivors, government officials, social service providers, and faith communities as the key to creating comprehensive, lasting change. Focus areas include prevention of human trafficking through partnerships with local schools, victim outreach through Freedom Stickers placed in restroom stalls, and training to convenience stores, law enforcement, service providers and the general public. IOB raises awareness of human trafficking, brings justice to perpetrators by advising on legislation, connects survivors with services, and conducts anti-trafficking efforts surrounding large events like the Super Bowl. Our vision is a world where all people are empowered to live in freedom