One of these houses, was a home where Family Controlled Trafficking took place
The driveway was a place where buyers would park
A bedroom in the basement was where the abuse was facilitated…
…for a child named Kait.
Kait is now the Founder and CEO of Mezzo Allies Inc.
But most importantly, she’s a Survivor.
What is Mezzo?
Mezzo Allies mission is to bridge the gap between current systems and family-controlled child sexual abuse victims, through the creation and distribution of educational materials. Through training, organizations and individuals will learn to identify the signs of this type of abuse, access appropriate help, and safely advocate on behalf of the victim. We also aim to provide direct support services to victims by serving as a support center where staff and volunteers can walk alongside victims toward healing, help, justice, and more.
Dr. Michael Salter Scientia Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of New South Wales, Australia
“If you don’t believe that it is possible for children to be sexually abused (in this way) by the men in their lives, then you don't see the signs even when they are staring at you in the face”
But it’s not just Kait….
The Canadian Center for Child Protection conducted a survey of adult survivors whose Child Sexual Abuse images (“child pornography”) were found online.
These are the responses they received….
Get Mezzo Certified! Training brought to you by
Survivor: Kait Gannon
LCSW-R Social Worker: Laurie Krull
Receive Mezzo Allies Certificate!
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Feedback from Mezzo Allies | In Person Trainings |
“The synchronicity between the presenters was phenomenal”
— Boston Training Attendee
“The method used to bring knowledge to us regarding of sex trafficking was incredibly helpful”
— DCF Training Attendee
Interested in having Kait and Laurie come to your organization?
“familial trafficking, which is unique and just beginning to be understood in the field, is difficult to identify because it takes place within family networks and victimizes children, many of whom are under 12 years of age, who may not realize they are victims. Because of this, the indicators for familial trafficking are different than indicators for other types of trafficking. “ -US Dept of State
“Harmful misperceptions about where and how familial trafficking happens, such as the belief that familial trafficking only occurs within neighborhoods, communities, or countries of low socioeconomic status, contributes to challenges to prosecution, prevention, and protection efforts. Addressing familial trafficking requires an interdisciplinary approach to ensure recovery of mental and physical health, trauma-informed investigation and prosecutorial efforts, survivor-led and -centered practices and interventions, and larger societal education and awareness.”
- US Dept of State
“In these cases, the trafficker may begin grooming the victim at an early age, using their close proximity to take advantage of the child’s developmental stage and inability to verbally express concerns or safety issues. “ - US dept of state
Mezzo:
The place where a victim is out of the Ugly Truth, and now in the Messy Middle
“Messy Middle” :
The time between a person being Actively Trafficked by a family member or Caregiver, and their journey to safety
Ritual Abuse:
Ritualistic abuse usually involves repeated abuse over an extended period of time. The physical abuse is severe, sometimes including torture and killing. The sexual abuse is usually painful, sadistic and humiliating, intended as a means of gaining dominance over the victim.
Learn More:
“Actively being Trafficked by a family member” :
(Also known as Organized Sexual Abuse)
A person being sold for sexual abuse by a family member or care giver. This includes making and distribution of CSAM - Child Sexual Abuse Material
Learn More:
https://www.state.gov/navigating-the-unique-complexities-in-familial-trafficking/
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Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Complete the form to learn more about upcoming volunteer training opportunities!
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Our Mission Statement
What’s Mezzo?
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Let us come to you!
Schedule Kait and Laurie to come speak at your organization!
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Resources for Victims
Click here for the number to the National Human Trafficking Hotline
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Mezzo Allies Partners
We are grateful to partner with Glynn and her associates at GC Counseling.
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What does it take to be an Advocate
Connect with us to find out more about supporting a suvivor
Meet the Founders
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Kait Gannon is a survivor of Family Controlled Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, the host of the podcast The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door and the Executive Director for Mezzo Allies, Inc. With a background in social work, Kait has experience in suicide prevention training and was the program director for a public health clinic in Buffalo, NY.
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Laurie Krull, LCSW-R is a clinical social worker, co-host of the podcast The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door and Clinical Director for Mezzo Allies, Inc. Laurie has over 30 years of clinical experience specializing in foster care/adoption and trauma. Laurie met Kait in 2017 which was the start of her journey toward safety, freedom and healing.
Meet the Team
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Christiana has been a stylist for 11 years and is the proud owner of FBM Salon in Kenmore. She is also a survivor herself and has dedicated her life to walking beside other victims of sexual abuse and family-controlled trafficking. She is a passionate advocate for helping others navigate their way to justice and healing, and is always willing to stand with a victim through the mess.
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Dennis has served in urban non-profit organizations for over 30 years as a volunteer, staff member, Executive Director and Board member. He is currently the founder and Executive Director of Hope Club of Niagara in Niagara FallS NY.
Dennis and his wife Joanne have been happily married for over 25 years and are proud parents to a beautiful daughter.
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Emily is a communications manager at Cisco, supporting change and program management initiatives for the customer experience organization. She is an active member of the Western New York community, serving on Leadership Buffalo’s and PRSA Buffalo Niagara’s board of directors, and St. Bonaventure University’s Alumni Council. She is also an active volunteer with SPCA Serving Erie County’s Paws for Love program alongside her dog Carlo. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication and a Master of Arts in integrated marketing communications from St. Bonaventure.
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Carol is president of Harvest House Buffalo. She is an experienced advocate leading a high-touch, community-based organization specializing in education, healthcare, and safety-net service provision. Carol, a Fellow with the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, is passionate about working with women to create a community space where one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and individualized care promotes resilience and healing and encourages collaboration, safety, empowerment, and choice.
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Nicholle Overkamp, MBA, ChFC®, CDFA® is a certified Money BitchTM, personal finance expert, and business coach for women. She’s the Founder and CEO of Wilcox Financial Group and PowHERhouse Money Coaching.
Nicholle is the co-author of the best-selling book Money Bitch: A no BS guide for smart women to own their financial future. She's also the host of business podcast, Becoming PowHERhouse!
Empowering women isn’t only a mission for Nicholle. She lives out her company’s mission personally as well serving on the board for SheCAN! and The Girl Scouts of WNY.
She’s a fitness fanatic, lover of the outdoors, caffeine addict and Audible obsessed.
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My name is Jessica Jaroszewski. I am a passionate engineer with experience in the automotive, printing, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. With a strong background in these industries, I have successfully contributed to the development of innovative solutions and products.
Beyond my professional achievements, I am also a survivor of domestic violence. This personal experience has shaped my perspective and deepened my empathy towards others facing similar challenges. I have dedicated myself to supporting and walking alongside victims on their journey to recovery. Through my personal involvement, I have witnessed the transformative power of compassion and resilience.
Combining my technical expertise with my personal commitment to making a difference, I strive to create a positive impact both in my professional work and in the lives of those affected by abuse in its many forms. I believe that by leveraging my skills and experiences, I can contribute to building a safer and more inclusive society.
I am excited for my journey with Mezzo and look to provide a safe space where we will continue to believe, defend & support survivors.