Harris County Precinct 3 Offers Final Free Workshops to Help Families Protect Children from Online Predators
Harris County Precinct 3 is offering one final opportunity for residents to learn how to better protect children from one of today’s most concerning issues—online exploitation and human trafficking. Two free Project Protect Our Children workshops are scheduled before summer’s end, offering practical steps families and communities can take to help keep kids safe.
The first workshop will be held at the Crosby Community Center, located at 409 Hare Rd, Crosby, TX 77532, on August 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. The second, and final, session will take place at the George H.W. Bush Community Center, located at 6827 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379, on August 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. Registration isn’t required, so attendees can simply arrive ready to listen, learn, and engage.
A Growing Concern in Every Community
Human trafficking isn’t just an issue somewhere far away—it’s happening in every state and community. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that more than 29 million suspected child sexual exploitation cases were reported in 2024 alone, a sobering statistic that highlights how technology has made it easier for predators to connect with vulnerable children.
The upcoming workshops will take a close look at how traffickers use social media and other online tools to reach children, often posing as peers or trusted adults. Attendees will learn what warning signs to look for, how to start conversations about online safety, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Prevention Through Education
These sessions are led by Project Protect Our Children (PPOC), a nonprofit founded in 2019 by Denise Mears, who was inspired by her experiences working with teenage trafficking survivors. Recognizing the need for early prevention, PPOC became the first organization in the country to create student-led Youth Action Boards—clubs that empower middle and high school students to share critical safety information with their peers.
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“We all play a vital role in keeping children safe both in the real and digital world,” PPOC states. The organization’s approach centers on three key steps: Engage, Educate, and Empower. This model brings prevention information not only to students, but also to parents, caregivers, educators, employers, and anyone who interacts with children.
Why It Matters
Trafficking often doesn’t look like the dramatic scenarios many people imagine. In fact, research shows that most victims already knew their trafficker, and sometimes that person was a family member. By teaching communities how to spot subtle warning signs and reduce risk factors, prevention-focused workshops like these offer tools that can truly make a difference.
The message from PPOC is clear: “Because every member of a community, including parents, caregivers, educators, and employers are essential to the anti-trafficking movement, our training and information isn’t limited to students.”
A Simple Way to Get Involved
Attending one of these two remaining workshops is a straightforward way to support child safety in Harris County. There’s no fee, no sign-up, and no prior experience needed—just a willingness to learn and share what you learn with others.
Workshop Details
- Crosby Community Center – August 11, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- George H.W. Bush Community Center – August 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.
More information is available at pct3.com/Explore/Community-Centers.
These final Project Protect Our Children workshops are more than just learning sessions—they are an opportunity for neighbors to come together and take proactive steps toward protecting the most vulnerable among us. By attending, sharing, and applying the knowledge gained, residents can help build a safer future where every child has the chance to grow up free from exploitation and fear.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
