Skip to main content
Adagio

Prevention Through Movement

A sport-based prevention program that helps reduce vulnerability to human trafficking and exploitation.
GET INVOVLED
People climb onto the roof
ABOUT

Where Movement Meet Purpose

In Step is a sport-based human trafficking prevention program designed to reach vulnerable youth. Rather than simply presenting prevention material, we create opportunities for youth to experience it firsthand. By integrating sports and prevention education materials, participating youth build confidence, find belonging, and develop practical skills that help reduce vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.

Because we believe prevention is most effective within healthy, safe, and consistent relationships, In Step is delivered in partnership with organizations already walking alongside youth in their communities. Together, we strengthen the connections and support systems that help young people thrive.
How it works

How In Step Works

In Step is designed to meet young people where they are—through movement, connection, and trusted relationships. Each session combines sports and movement with practical prevention education, helping youth build awareness, confidence, and protective skills that reduce vulnerability to exploitation.

4 week Cycle 1.5 Hrs Per Week

A simple, consistent format designed to create meaningful impact through short, focused sessions that build on one another.

Sports + Prevention Curriculum

Each four-week cycle focuses on one sport, combining skill-building activities with integrated prevention education. Through participation, discussion, and reflection, youth engage with important concepts in a way that feels interactive and accessible.

Community Partnerships

Rather than creating new relationships, In Step works alongside organizations already investing in young people, building on the trust and connection that already exist. Our partnership extends beyond program delivery through training, resources, and continued support for staff.

Built for Ongoing Engagement

Each new four-week cycle introduces a different sport while building on the same core prevention concepts, creating opportunities to reinforce learning through new experiences and continued connection.
Core Principles

The Foundation of Every Session

Each week focuses on one of four core principles, thoughtfully integrating prevention education into sports and activities so learning is experienced, not just taught. As each session builds on the last, youth strengthen awareness, confidence, and practical skills through shared experiences. Here’s an overview of our main sessions.

Where Do I Stand?

Every person has inherent value and unique strengths. This week helps participants build confidence, recognize what makes them who they are, and understand how a strong sense of identity creates a foundation for healthy choices and relationships.

What's the Right Move?

Life is full of influences that shape the decisions we make. Participants learn to recognize healthy relationships, identify unhealthy patterns, and develop the awareness needed to make wise choices in everyday situations.

When Do I Step Up?

Confidence grows through practice. This week equips participants with practical skills to set healthy boundaries, communicate with confidence, make safe decisions, and know when it's time to ask a trusted adult for help.

Who's Walking With Me?

No one is meant to navigate life alone. Participants explore the importance of trusted relationships, supportive communities, and the people who can encourage, protect, and walk alongside them through life's challenges.
Why Sports

More than a game. A pathway for prevention.

Sports create natural opportunities for connection, learning, and growth. In Step uses those moments intentionally to build relationships, strengthen protective factors, and help young people experience the prevention material—not just hear about it.
workout

Connection

Prevention starts with relationships. Sports create natural opportunities for young people to build trust with mentors and peers in an environment where they feel seen, valued, and supported.
class

Experience

Movement turns conversations into lived experiences. Rather than simply hearing about healthy choices, participants practice communication, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving through interactive activities.
workout

Growth

Each session intentionally strengthens protective factors that help youth thrive—including confidence, healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging.
Interrupting the Cycle

80% of Survivors Are Re-Victimized Without a Safe Place To Go

Trafficking is often cyclical. Without healthy support systems,trusted relationships and strong protective factors, vulnerabilities can lead to exploitation. We want to interrupt that cycle.

Living in Vulnerability

Vulnerability does not cause trafficking, but it can create opportunities for exploitation. When youth lack safety, support, and connection, traffickers often exploit those unmet needs.

In Step

In Step interrupts the cycle by strengthening trusted relationships and providing youth with the knowledge and skills that build resilience and reduce vulnerability.

A Stronger Future

By strengthening trusted relationships and building confidence, youth are better prepared to recognize risk, make healthy choices, and pursue a stronger future.
Vulnerability to exploitation
Resilience
A Stronger Future
WHY IT MATTERS

Building Protection Before Exploitation Begins

Human trafficking often begins long before exploitation is recognized, making early prevention essential. Through trusted relationships, practical skills, and meaningful connection, young people build the protective factors that reduce vulnerability to exploitation. By helping youth develop confidence, recognize healthy relationships, and know where to turn for support, prevention becomes more than awareness—it becomes a foundation for long-term safety and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Step is for teen students and the mentors who walk alongside them. We partner with organizations that already have mentoring relationships in place and bring this prevention program to the young people they serve.

In Step is a sport-based human trafficking prevention program that uses sports to teach practical prevention skills. Over four weekly sessions, youth build confidence, strengthen relationships with trusted adults, and develop the protective factors that help reduce vulnerability to trafficking. We can return after each four week cycle with a new sport and different lessons to reinforce protective factors and deepen relationships.

No. In Step is offered at no cost to our partner organizations and the teens they serve.

If your organization has a mentoring program and would like to add In Step, reach out through our Contact page. We will walk you through partnering with us.
Subscribe to stay updated with our stories and impact
Adagio works to prevent exploitation, support survivors, and strengthen communities through long-term, relational care grounded in trust, dignity, and consistency.

info@theadagio.org
PO Box 29 Peyton, CO 80831
719-757-0602

Adagio Light
Adagio is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible. EIN Number: 45-3449348
©2026 Adagio. Designed & Developed by Never Settle LLC
Donor Bill of Rights Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions