John,

Exploiting hope.

It’s how Timoteo’s traffickers operated.

Timoteo was recruited by a U.S. “employer” with the promise of earning $11+ per hour picking berries. It sounded like a great chance to support his family with extra income. From his home in Mexico, Timoteo paid for an H-2A work visa.

But once he was in the U.S., hope quickly faded:

Timoteo’s supervisor — known only by the nickname “Flaco” — told him things had changed. Timoteo’s pay now depended on how many berry cartons he picked. It meant $60 total pay for a 40-hour work week.

It got worse: Timoteo also had to pay $90 a week for food and housing in a motel — more than he was now making — despite the fact that his work visa required his employer to provide housing.

“Flaco” provided food that sometimes made workers sick, but he barred them from seeking medical attention. When some complained, he threatened them all with deportation and blacklisting.

You can prevent this nightmare from happening to another worker.

Will you make a sustaining, monthly gift to help?

When you do, your gift will be DOUBLED through the end of the year.

Like many in this crisis, Timoteo didn’t know where to turn. While “Flaco” was the supervisor, Timoteo had heard about a boss called “Bethany” — the one profiting. But no one in charge could help, and it was dangerous to ask questions. Hope had become confusion and fear.

YOU can prevent this kind of exploitation by empowering workers. As a new sustainer — a North Star Guide — you can give a laborer what Timoteo didn’t have: 

Our Nonechka resource … an accessible way to know their rights, understand recruiting tactics, tell their story, and get help.

Your gift can help expand Nonechka in both Mexico AND the U.S. This multilingual outreach platform uses cell phones to gather feedback, share information, and help workers avoid or leave trafficking situations. It’s needed now more than ever — and it’s urgent on both sides of the border.

You have the power to stop labor trafficking. Please become a North Star Guide today with your sustaining gift.

P.S. Deadline is September 5: Labor Day! When you become a monthly donor, a match through the end of the year DOUBLES the good you do.