In a major step towards combating human trafficking, Attorney General Lynn Fitch has announced the distribution of nearly $3.9 million from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund. These funds will be allocated to 13 organizations dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking in Mississippi rebuild their lives.

This marks the third round of grants awarded from the fund, which was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 2020. With these new grants, the total amount of funding provided for victim services has now reached an impressive $8.5 million.

Attorney General Fitch stressed the importance of helping survivors, saying, “Few crimes rob a person of their humanity, power, and dignity like human trafficking, but we do not have to let it steal their future.”

Key Highlights of the Announcement:

Fitch took a moment to commend Mississippi’s nonprofit organizations for their tireless work supporting trafficking survivors. “Working together, we can put an end to the dangerous human trafficking enterprise,” she said. She also expressed her gratitude to the State Legislature for ensuring these organizations have the necessary resources to support survivors.

The grants will help provide essential services such as housing, legal services, transportation, mental health support, and workforce development programs for survivors. This year, 17 organizations applied for funding, seeking a total of $6.8 million. Thirteen of these organizations were selected to receive funding.

List of Key Grant Recipients and Their Initiatives:

1. Center for Violence Prevention – $932,019.35
   This funding will help expand the Tower residential program and the Rapid Response Team, which provides 24/7 crisis intervention and rehabilitation services to trafficking survivors.
2. Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence – $560,000.00
   The grant will support the development of Mississippi’s first Family Justice Center, which will serve as a one-stop service hub for trafficking victims, integrating law enforcement, court services, and advocacy groups.
3. Southern Christian Services – $739,500.00
   Southern Christian Services will continue operating Mississippi’s only safe home for adolescent trafficking survivors, providing long-term therapeutic care.
4. Mississippi Coalition Against Human Trafficking – $366,560.00
   This grant will help expand the Coalition’s Independent Living Assistance Program, which has already assisted 80 women in Mississippi, and add more staff to help survivors in South Mississippi.
5. Hope Village for Children – $296,920.00
   Hope Village will launch a specialized residential treatment program for minor female victims of trafficking, focusing on mental health, education, and workforce preparation.
6. El Pueblo – $104,284.21
   El Pueblo will continue offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services to victims, with an emphasis on outreach to Hispanic communities and long-term recovery support.
7. On the Road Lending – $200,000.00
   This funding will assist trafficking survivors in achieving financial independence by providing reliable vehicles and financial coaching.

The Big Picture: Empowering Survivors and Disrupting Trafficking Networks

These grants are aimed at not only providing vital support to survivors but also disrupting trafficking networks and building a comprehensive statewide infrastructure for victim support. Fitch emphasized that Mississippi is taking proactive steps to ensure that victims receive the resources they need to reclaim their lives.

For more information about the fund, the application process, and grant guidelines, visit the Attorney General’s Office website.

Get Involved: Supporting Independent Journalism

If you want to support independent journalism, please consider making a small donation to the Tampa Free Press. Your contribution helps us continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.

Follow Us: Stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.

Subscribe: Sign up for our free newsletter to receive curated top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.