Gwen Rummell Reporting –
The Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program has awarded funds to 30 nonprofits in 14 counties.
The new program, launched by Governor Mike DeWine in September, aims to help support sex and labor trafficking victims. The grant program was developed in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly with funding from Ohio’s operating budget.
A local organization receiving grant money was COMPASS in Tuscarawas County received $6,150, says Executive Director Molly McMath, and it will go toward their drop-in center.
“Held the third Tuesday of every month over at Tuscora Park in the youth building, and this is a place where anyone is welcome to come get a hot meal, there are plenty of community resources available to them, as well as, free hygiene items and household cleaning supplies.”
Among the other awardees was the Tri-County Help Center, serving Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe counties. Funds awarded totaled about $95,600.
Services funded through the program included mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, education and employment support, and residential placement.
The grant program was initially funded at $4 million, but an additional $600,000 was added to the program in response to the number of grant applications.
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