An information session inside the Renee Jones Empowerment Center.
An information session inside the Renee Jones Empowerment Center. Credit: Renee Jones / Renee Jones Empowerment Center

The Renee Jones Empowerment Center (RJEC) is a community-driven organization that looks to address an urgent issue in Ohio – human trafficking. The empowerment center helps trafficking survivors get their lives back on track with holistic healing and restoration. 

Renee Jones has been active in the community all of her life. She was motivated to form RJEC by her work with people experiencing homelessness.

“I used to work with the homeless at Bishop William Cosgrove Center feeding center,” Jones said. “Seeing the different age ranges and hearing the reasons why they became homeless was really hurtful to me.”

Jones made it her mission to continue showing up. She would encourage people and help them look for jobs.

“I really wasn’t even paying attention, but after six months, we were able to get 76 people off the street,” Jones said. “The real breakthrough came when one of the men we were working with got a job in Alaska as a deep pike fisher!”


An information session inside the RJEC. Credit: Jeff Haynes / Signal Cleveland

A fresh start 

Jones decided she wanted to start her own organization to serve the community directly. While settling into her new location, she noticed another issue plaguing the community.

“I opened a small storefront on West 65 and Detroit,” she remembered. “Homelessness was one thing, but prostitution was one of the problems in that area, too. So then RJEC began to deal with the issue of human trafficking and women and children on the street as well.”

Healing and outreach at RJEC

RJEC services are free for survivors of trafficking and sexual assault. Jones wants the center to be a space filled with trust, stability and love where survivors are able to flourish. The organization offers everything from healthy relationship clinics to employment and housing assistance to therapy. 

Project Red Code during a community outreach event.
Project Red Code during a community outreach event. Credit: Renee Jones / Renee Jones Empowerment Center

The empowerment center uses community outreach as a means of connecting with residents and survivors. Project Red Cord, an extension of RJEC, hosts outreach events in Collinwood, East Cleveland, Akron, Detroit-Shoreway and Brooklyn Centre. 

“We give them brand new clothing, school supplies,” Jones said. ”We serve hot meals, and the food is really good. Some people are just so happy to have a good-tasting hot meal.”

What are the signs?

In a 2020 study from the Ohio Department of Youth Services, 287 individuals were screened for trafficking and 15 were identified to be minors. Jones shared some of the warning signs of abuse.

“A lot of times, they are people who don’t speak up for themselves or they become isolated,” Jones said. “I tell parents all the time, ‘If you have a child who is very outgoing and then, all of a sudden, they withdraw, those are some really strong signs, especially for young people.’”

Jones encourages Clevelanders to “be aware and care” when it comes to issues such as trafficking. 

“I’ve been doing this for 22 years now,” Jones said. “Learn as much as you can about this crime and care about it. Share as much information as you can with your family and friends because that is how we are going to address this issue.”

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.