Local & Community
Riverside County Approves $400,000 Contract for Human Trafficking Training
Riverside County is expanding human trafficking prevention training for young people and those who work with children after the Board of Supervisors approved a five-year, $400,000 contract with a Los Angeles-based consulting group.
The agreement with Sowers Education Group LLC will provide Human Trafficking Prevention Training and Youth Engagement Services through the company's Cool Aunt Series. The contract runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
The program is designed for teens, including those at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, and will also provide training for child welfare caseworkers. Foster parents, caregivers and guardians will also have access to the training.
According to the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, the Cool Aunt Series is a survivor-led prevention curriculum designed for preteens and teens. The program uses online videos, storytelling and other educational material to help young people recognize potential risks and access resources.
The training is state-mandated. County officials said California's Department of Social Services previously provided instructors and course materials for the required training but discontinued that program this year. The Cool Aunt Series has received the department's endorsement, according to county officials.
The new Riverside County training will be conducted virtually and will be available in both English and Spanish. Training modules generally range from four to 12 hours, according to county information.
Sowers Education Group was founded by Rachel C. Thomas, a human trafficking survivor and educator. The organization says its work focuses on human trafficking awareness, prevention and survivor empowerment. Thomas is also the creator of the Cool Aunt Series.
County officials said state and federal funding will cover the full cost of the $400,000 contract, meaning the agreement will not require local taxpayer funding, according to the information provided to the Board of Supervisors.
The contract is intended to give Riverside County youth, families and child welfare professionals additional tools to recognize potential trafficking risks and connect young people with appropriate resources.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 22, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?