Join us for our first Lunch & Learn of 2026.

 

Survivor Advocate, Cassandra Hammond, will share her story that began at age 19 in Montana. Penny Ronning, Co-founder and President of Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force will describe labor trafficking in Montana. The free talk and lunch is open to the public and will be from noon until 1:00 PM in the Community Room at the County Building in Livingston.

 

In addition to stories about trafficking occurring in Montana, the lunch hour will include a presentation by ASPEN Prevention Coordinator, Jessica Isaacs. Jessica will discuss ASPEN’s trafficking prevention curriculum for schools. The curriculum meets requirements for trafficking education and is created to help young people understand how trafficking actually happens and how to resist traffickers.

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Human Trafficking is defined by the State Department as “a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them [by force, fraud or coercion] to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.  When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion involved.” Forced labor may occur in many industries, both legal and illicit, including agricultural fields, factories, restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, retail stores, private homes or drug trafficking operations. Tens of thousands in the U.S. are current victims of trafficking, including cases throughout Montana.

 

Cassandra Hammond grew up in Billings and, at 19, was introduced by someone she trusted to

the man who became her first trafficker. More traffickers later exploited her, the last

connected to a criminal organization. For more than four years, Cassie was trafficked through

27 strip clubs across four states before escaping back to Montana with her mother’s help.

Today, she bravely shares her story to raise awareness and help protect others from

Exploitation.

 

Penny Ronning is a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and public policy strategist focused on preventing sexual violence and advancing child protection laws. She is co-founder and president of the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, Montana’s largest anti-trafficking coalition, and brings more than 30 years of experience translating survivor-informed insight into effective policy and public safety solutions. A former Billings City Council member and congressional nominee, Ronning has been twice recognized by the White House and received the national FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for her leadership and public service.

 

ASPEN, as in all of its advocacy work, encourages trauma-informed support that empowers survivors and considers safety planning that is carefully developed by each individual for their unique situation. The goal of the upcoming Lunch & Learn is to give the community awareness and resources and to encourage providing young people the information and skills they need.

 

ASPEN suggests attendees  RSVP to info@aspenmt.org by Friday, January 23 to facilitate an accurate lunch count. Email the same address for additional information.