Redefining the Narrative: Championing the Fight Against Sex Trafficking in Nebraska

Human trafficking is one of the most significant, and tragically growing, crimes of our time. It is a high-profit, low-risk business where human beings—often children and women—are bought, sold, and exploited for the benefit of others. With sex trafficking being the most prevalent form in the United States, its insidious nature reaches into every corner of society, including Nebraska. Yet, it was in this very state that Sister Celeste Wobeter of the Notre Dame Sisters, has led an effort that has changed the way the community responds to this horrific crime.

The journey began in 2014 when the Notre Dame Sisters’ Social Justice Committee made a pivotal decision to expand their mission to include human trafficking, recognizing it as a critical unmet need in the United States. Human trafficking was not just a problem far away—it was happening right here, in Omaha and across Nebraska, as well as in small towns and rural areas. The Sisters’ mission has always been about addressing unmet needs, particularly for women, children, and the neglected, a vision that has continued for over 400 years. Human trafficking, with its staggering scope and devastating effects, fit exactly within the congregation’s commitment to justice and service.

Sister Celeste, deeply moved by the gravity of the issue, learned quickly that sex trafficking often occurs in places one might least expect—hotels and motels. This revelation led to a crucial turning point in the Coalition on Human Trafficking’s work. Recognizing the potential role that hotel and motel staff could play in identifying and reporting trafficking, Sister Celeste spearheaded a training program aimed at educating these workers on the signs of trafficking and how to respond.

At first, the Coalition faced significant resistance from hotel managers. The idea of recognizing and addressing trafficking within their establishments was a difficult concept to embrace. Managers feared that acknowledging the issue might hurt their reputation. However, Sister Celeste and her team persevered, eventually securing the support of Mayor Jean Stothert, who emphasized the importance of the training in a public press conference. Her call to action encouraged more managers to come on board, and the Coalition was able to train not just hotel managers but also housekeepers, security staff, and other key employees.

The training program, which emphasized the need to Realize, Recognize, and Respond to human trafficking, was a success. Housekeepers proved to be essential in identifying signs of trafficking in hotel rooms—signs like suspicious behavior, physical indicators, and patterns that often go unnoticed by the general public. With the support of local businesses, the Coalition expanded rapidly, training staff at hotels and motels across Nebraska and Iowa. Over time, hundreds of workers were trained, and several “Train the Trainer” sessions were conducted, enabling hotels to keep their teams updated and ready to take action.

Sister Celeste’s work didn’t stop with the hotel and motel training. The Coalition expanded its efforts, forging partnerships with organizations like Magdalene Omaha, Rotary clubs, and law enforcement to strengthen the fight against trafficking. They also joined forces with the Set Me Free Project in 2022, which focuses on educating children and schools about trafficking. The collaboration provided a more comprehensive approach, combining education for both children and adults, while maintaining a strong focus on hotels and motels.

The impact of this work reached far beyond Nebraska’s borders. The success of the training program caught the attention of national organizations, and many sought to replicate the Coalition’s model. Sister Celeste’s determination and leadership were instrumental in the Coalition’s growth, which earned recognition from former Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for its role in fighting human trafficking.

Sister Celeste’s journey in combating human trafficking is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Notre Dame Sisters to address society’s most pressing needs. As she continues her work—serving on the Set Me Free Advisory Board, delivering presentations, and contributing to the Coalition’s mission—she remains steadfast in her belief that collaboration is the key to making a difference. “We strive to eliminate human trafficking through awareness and education,” Sister Celeste says, a mission that is not only deeply personal but one that has led to real, tangible change in the fight against this horrific crime.

Human trafficking is a pervasive problem that affects every community, but thanks to the tireless work of Sister Celeste Wobeter and the support of the Notre Dame Sisters, the Coalition on Human Trafficking has proven that with dedication, education, and collaboration, change is possible. The Notre Dame Sisters’ mission continues to grow and evolve, addressing the unmet needs of today’s world, just as it has for more than 400 years.