Steps for Change
Raising Awareness
Roger DeHart, seen here collecting his "Citizen of the Year Award" from Captain Ozzy Tianga, has covered large stretches of land in his walks for awareness to bring attention to human trafficking. He was first inspired as a bailiff in the Miami-Dade County area. The women being trafficked inspired him so much he decided to walk from the Miami/Ft Lauderdale area to Washington DC. Covering over 1200 miles, he walked the trek in 50 days.
Upcoming Steps for Change Events
Gwen and Roger will leave Indianapolis Monument Circle on May 17th, 2024 and walk 200 miles to Chicago ending in Millennium Park sometime around May 27th-May 30th.
Meeting at the NCOSE/PHASE event during the summer of 2024, Roger and Gwen decided to raise awareness in the Midwest during the Indy 500 time trials. Given Gwen was first trafficked at the age of 4 by her mother in Zionsville, a suburb of Indianapolis, Gwen decided the most opportune time to raise awareness was during the Indy 500 time trials when human trafficking is at a peak for the Indianapolis area. Gwen and Roger are currently seeking a shoe sponsor, a clothing sponsor, and a hotel sponsor.
Volunteer Opportunities
Make a difference in your community by volunteering your time and skills. We have a variety of opportunities available for members who want to get involved both on the ground and behind the scenes.
Steps for Change Itinerary
Support ‘Steps for Change’: The First 200-Mile Walk to Combat Human Trafficking
As the creator of Managing Love, a grassroots nonprofit, I am launching our first ‘Steps for Change’ fundraiser. Inspired by the most marginalized members of society, we are committed to servant leadership and tackling societal injustices—particularly human trafficking, the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise.
Why This Walk Matters
Starting May 17, the first day of time trials for the Indianapolis 500, a Managing Love team member and I will walk 200 miles from Indianapolis to Chicago to raise awareness of human trafficking. The following weekend is the largest trafficking weekend in Indianapolis, making this issue even more urgent.
As a survivor of child sex trafficking and adult labor trafficking, this cause is deeply personal. My mother began trafficking me at the age of four in my hometown of Zionsville, and I would be trafficked along the Indianapolis-Chicago corridor as a youth several times. We recently helped pass new anti-trafficking legislation in Virginia, and we continue to fight through our work, including:
Our award-winning short film – www.Traffikid.org
A forthcoming book compilation – Trafficking Tales
This walk, amplifying awareness and advocacy
How You Can Help
We are seeking financial support to make this journey possible. Walking 12 miles per day for 17 days requires careful planning, including lodging, food, and safety measures.
Budget Breakdown:
Accommodations: Estimated at $1,960 per person
Meals: $30–$50 per day (~$510–$850 per person)
Total Estimated Budget: $2,470–$2,810 per person
Total for Roger DeHart and Gwen Cassady: $4,940-$5,620
Daily Route & Lodging:
Each night, we will stay in safe, strategically located accommodations. Below is our itinerary and lodging costs per night:
Day Route Accommodation Cost
1 Indianapolis → Zionsville: Brick Street Inn $180
2 Zionsville → Whitestown: Hampton Inn Indianapolis NW $150
3 Whitestown → Lebanon: Holiday Inn Express $120
4 Lebanon → Frankfort: La Quinta Inn & Suites $110
5 Frankfort → Lafayette: Baymont by Wyndham $90
6 Lafayette → Brookston: Sycamore Valley Campground $70
7 Brookston → Monon: Monon Motel $65
8 Monon → Rensselaer: Comfort Suites $110
9 Rensselaer → DeMotte: Economy Inn $60
10 DeMotte → Hebron: Super 8 by Wyndham $80
11 Hebron → Crown Point: Hampton Inn $130
12 Crown Point → Merrillville: Hampton Inn $115
13 Merrillville → Gary: Majestic Star Casino Hotel $100
14 Gary → Hammond: Best Western $105
15 Hammond → East Chicago: Ameristar Casino Hotel $120
16 East Chicago → Whiting: Hampton Inn & Suites $125
17 Whiting → Chicago: Loews Chicago Hotel $250
Join Us in the Fight Against Trafficking
Your contribution will help fund this walk and amplify awareness about human trafficking. Every dollar raised will support survivors, advocacy, and legislative efforts.
📢 Donate today to help us take ‘Steps for Change.’
Together, we can walk for justice, raise awareness, and inspire action.