The Need
The needs of human trafficking survivors are great. They have lived in a cycle of sex trafficking since the average age of 13. Recent estimates are that 29,100 people in Ohio are victims of trafficking every year.
Many survivors live with significant trauma, sometimes including traumatic brain injuries that damage logic and memory. They suffer with mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, CTE (a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries) and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Many may lack basic education and face barriers around clear communication or carrying out what may be seen as “simple” tasks like making phone calls or performing basic computer functions. Survivors also emerge from trafficking into a society that turns them away. They face legal issues such as a history of evictions, suspension of driving privileges and criminal convictions. Many survivors in our programs are mothers who have lost custody of their children.
The cycle of trauma is often broken through an interaction with the criminal justice system. It is often at this point that the women first come into contact with Freedom a la Cart.
We offer life-changing holistic care through our four main areas of service — CATCH Court restorative justice support, a robust Workforce Development Program, a Housing Stability Program promoting independent living, and our Butterfly Program fostering long-term support and community connection. This year we aim to walk alongside and provide vital assistance to approximately 400 survivors.
CATCH Court Support
Support + mentorship for survivors
Paid Workforce Development
2 year program of work experience + life skills trainings
Butterfly Program
Peer-based, long-term connection and independence
Housing Program
Maintain housing stability, independent within a safe community.
FOR SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
barriers to employment
2025 IN NUMBERS
measuring success
374
survivors served
16,400
paid workforce development hours earned
69
surivors participated in CATCH Court
85%
of survivors have increased their earning power since working
with Freedom.
78%
of participants have NOT received new criminal charges since the program began
153
survivors received assistance with utilities or housing
127
survivors received support with advancing their education
71%
have adequate social capital with at least 3-4 healthy people in their lives they can reach out to for help or support.
our team
Vanessa Torres
Director of Programs
Email Vanessa
Jamie Slayton
Senior Resource Manager
Email Jamie
Mickey Miller
Resource Manager
Email Mickey
Dorie Sessoms
Housing Resource Manager
Email Dorie
Lindsey Kreamer
Workforce Development Specialist
Email Lindsey
Jess Doone
Peer Support Specialist
Email Jess
Susan Thompson
Peer Support Specialist
Email Susan
services provided include:
- independent living assistance (connection to resources, furnishings for home)
- employment coaching
- peer-to-peer survivor support group meetings
- social connection
- life skills workshops
- education tutors + mentors
- educational or vocational training funding assistance
- driver’s license reinstatement assistance
- tattoo removal
- case management (resource management) services for navigating resources to advance their lives
- crisis assistance (relapse, eviction, job loss, loss of government support, death of loved one).