Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced distribution of nearly $3.9 million from the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund to thirteen organizations that help human trafficking victims become survivors. This is the third round of grants from the Fund since the Mississippi Legislature created it in the 2020 Legislative Session. This year’s awards bring the total distributed for human trafficking victims services to $8.5 million.
"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,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Mississippi is blessed with these thirteen organizations committed to walking alongside these victims on their journey to find healing and restoration. Working together, we can put an end to the dangerous human trafficking enterprise. I am grateful for the State Legislature's willingness to ensure these organizations have the resources they need to support these brave individuals working to rebuild their lives. And I am grateful to the members of the Fund Committee for the time and thoughtful consideration they offer the State to ensure these funds are spent to fulfill the Legislature’s intent."
More information on the application and solicitation, Fund rules, and other information related to this distribution and the Fund in general can be found on the Attorney General’s Office website. In total, the Fund received 17 applications during this funding period, with projects totaling over $6.8 million.
Recipients of 2025 Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM), which received
$79,300.00, is a membership organization supporting fifteen Children’s
Advocacy Centers across every county in Mississippi that are dedicated to
meeting the needs of children impacted by human trafficking and other abuse.
CACM will utilize the funds to address the professional training gap in
Mississippi by incorporating a Human Trafficking Education Track at their One
Loud Voice Conference, Mississippi’s premier annual child advocacy training event. Additionally, the funds will be used to integrate its database with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services’ new case management system.
Center for Violence Prevention, which received $932,019.35, will enhance
and expand the reach of support services throughout Mississippi and improve
outcomes for human trafficking victims through its Tower residential program and Rapid Response Team of advocates. Specifically, they plan to hire an additional Rapid Response Team advocate this year and will use funds to continue operating the Tower Learning Center for group and individual activities focusing on goal achievement.
Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, which received $419,126.22, will continue
providing comprehensive services to victims of human trafficking as well as outreach activities in their 11- county service area. They also plan to maintain and improve their quality of service by conducting an external evaluation of the program’s efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
Easter Seals Mississippi, which received $64,812.00, operates as a Child Advocacy Center serving Lee, Pontotoc, and Union counties. Funds will be used on a trafficking prevention strategy, including the appointment of a dedicated Child Trafficking Prevention Coordinator, the development of culturally relevant educational materials in English and Spanish, and the prioritization of outreach to Hispanic communities.
El Pueblo, which received $104,284.21, will enhance culturally and
linguistically appropriate services for victims of human trafficking and continue
outreach to law enforcement, mental health service providers, and community groups. They will focus on ensuring victims not only receive immediate support but benefit from long-term, consistent services that empower them to regain stability and independence.
Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, which received $560,000.00, will
continue providing a comprehensive and holistic array of services to families
and individuals in crisis due to human trafficking and other associated harms. GCCFN is working to establish Mississippi’s first Family Justice Center model, a one-stop shop that houses services provided by Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, law enforcement, court personnel, and other community service agencies to support victims.
Hope Village for Children, which received $296,920.00, will operate a new
residential program for the specialized treatment of minor female victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. They will promote the wellbeing of the victims in care, address the emotional, social, and mental health issues facing foster youth in their care, provide access to education or vocational programs for victims in their care, and prepare them
for successful reintegration into the community.
Kids Hub Children’s Advocacy Center, which received $10,000.00,
will use funding to partner with the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training Department to conduct advanced training for all Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center program staff to enhance skills and knowledge related to supporting victims of human trafficking.
Mississippi Coalition Against Human Trafficking, which received
$366,560.00, will continue growing and supporting its Independent Living
Assistance Program (ILA), a program designed to promote sustainable
independent living that has impacted over 80 women in the state in its first
year. They also aim to hire another program director to oversee and facilitate
the ILA program in South Mississippi, where the need for survivor support
services continues to rise.
On the Road Lending (OTR), which received $200,000.00, was founded in 2013 with a mission to eliminate transportation barriers that hinder economic
independence. They will focus on supporting victims of trafficking seeking to create sustainable, independent lives by providing reliable vehicles and
individualized financial coaching. OTR will use the funds to create a long-term
solution for trafficking survivors in Mississippi in collaboration with other
service providers to operate as a trusted referral partner for victims with critical
transportation needs.
Southern Christian Services, which received $739,500.00, will continue
operating Mississippi’s safe home exclusively for adolescent survivors of human
trafficking which allows young survivors to receive specialized and evidence-based therapeutic services for up to two years.
Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, which received
$74,070.00, provides a comprehensive array of services for victims of human trafficking and others suffering exposure to violence and abuse. The funding will be used for the mental health therapy program to hire a mental
health therapist and provide specialized training for working with trafficking victims, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training.
Sunnybrook Children’s Home, which received $40,000.00, will continue
their collaboration with Southern Christian Services and the Mississippi
Coalition Against Human Trafficking to provide a safe home for adolescent
survivors of human trafficking.
