More than 100 children in Hillsborough County alone are in the active caseload of Redefining Refuge, a Tampa Bay nonprofit that serves young survivors of sex trafficking. Founder Natasha Nascimento shared that figure during a July 18 art fundraiser at Salon Eunoia in South Tampa, where local artists sold work to benefit the organization.
Tampa Bay 28 anchor Wendy Ryan reported on the event July 21.
"This is a problem that impacts our neighborhood. It's happening in your backyard," Nascimento told Ryan. "These are not children that are coming from other countries. These are children that were born and raised right here in your community. They could be in your school."
Nascimento urged anyone who senses something is wrong to call it in. Worst case, she said, you're wrong. Best case: You save a child's life.
Salon Owner Organized the Fundraiser
Victoria Michael, owner of Salon Eunoia at 4218 Henderson Blvd. in Tampa, partnered with Nascimento for the event. Michael also runs Eunoia Collective, a nonprofit that connects women entrepreneurs with community giving opportunities. She previously served on Redefining Refuge's board of directors and wrote the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero application that won the organization $50,000, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Proceeds from the art sales went directly to Redefining Refuge's mission.
Trafficking Numbers Show a Problem Close to Home
Florida ranks third nationally in reported human trafficking cases, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The state's 2025 Human Trafficking Annual Report noted a 48% increase in tips after the rollout of the 1-855-FLA-SAFE hotline and documented the opening of two new safe therapeutic foster homes in Pasco County, where Wesley Chapel is located.
Redefining Refuge, founded in 2010, describes itself as Tampa Bay's first holistic program for trafficked girls. The organization provides case management, support services and advocacy. Nascimento, who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, left a career in finance to launch the nonprofit. She has received the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero award and the Spirit of Humanity Award from the DeBartolo Family Foundation, and has testified at both the Florida State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol on trafficking legislation.
The nonprofit also participated in Operation Dragon Eye, a U.S. Marshals-led missing child recovery operation across the Tampa Bay area that involved the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to 83 Degrees Media.
How Residents Can Report Suspected Trafficking
Residents who suspect trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or the Florida state hotline at 855-FLA-SAFE (855-352-7233), which operates 24/7. More information about Redefining Refuge is available at redefiningrefuge.org.
