Chris Stollar has volunteered for more than 10 years with She Has A Name, an anti-human trafficking organization based in Columbus, Ohio. He recently became the vice chair of the board of directors after training, mentoring, and serving as an active board member for several years. Stollar also works as the main moderator at She Has A Name’s Solicitor Education Program, which educates people arrested for soliciting and connects them to helpful resources.
For his commitment, he’s been named Nationwide’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year.
"It means the world to me that, for me and my organization, Nationwide has chosen to honor us for our work because it's really shedding light on human trafficking, which is one of the darkest crimes in our society and giving a voice to those who have none,” said Stollar.
Stollar’s passion for serving all those impacted by human trafficking has led She Has A Name to grow in serving solicitors—those first-time and non-violent offenders arrested for purchasing sex who fuel the demand for sex trafficking. His vision and leadership have been the main driver in Columbus' private Solicitor Education Program, which currently generates the most revenue out of the organization’s 13 different programs. Today, She Has A Name is sought out as a leader in rehabilitation for solicitors, especially those struggling with trauma, depression, or other issues that can lead to solicitation. Some of those solicitors have even become She Has A Name advocates and volunteers, teaching alongside Stollar at the program.
“Human trafficking is a business, and if we're only caring about the supply side, we're never going to end this issue,” said Courtney Schmackers, executive director for She Has A Name. “You have to look at the full picture, which means looking at those who are increasing the demand for sex.”
As a longtime volunteer with She Has A Name, Stollar has helped both female victims of human trafficking and the (mostly) male individuals who try to solicit them. He has delivered gift bags at night to dozens of women on the streets of Columbus, Ohio, educated hundreds of men arrested for soliciting through the Solicitor Education Program, and successfully advocated for code changes to local officials. Stollar even created a unique presentation, "Why People Solicit," which he has taught across the country to other service providers seeking data-driven insights on how to reduce the demand for paid sex.
“Chris’ unique role has been to remind us about the importance of the men involved in this issue,” said Schmackers. “Both those who are struggling with solicitation, and the men who want to help.”
In honor of his award, She Has A Name will receive a $5,000 grant in Stollar’s name. Nationwide also will present $1,000 grants to each of this year’s nine other honorees for their nonprofits.
“We know thousands of our employees volunteer in their communities every day,” said Chad Jester, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at Nationwide. “We’re grateful for their continued commitment, and very proud of Chris and our 9 honorees.”