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Human Trafficking

Alianza 614 (Alliance 614)

This woman-led organization seeks to empower the Hispanic community, particularly youth and other minority groups, in Columbus. Programs include a monthly produce pantry, health fairs, backpack giveaways, and other community events. They can also place referrals to other helpful programs and resources.
(614) 500-2123
somosalianza614.org

Blue Campaign

This national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners on indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Blue Campaign works closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase detection of human trafficking and identify victims. Their website has helpful information on indicators of human trafficking and gender based violence, myths and misconceptions, how to report suspected human trafficking, and toolkits on how to respond for industry professionals in Schools, Churches, Hospitality, Law Enforcement, Retail, and Transportation.
Report Suspected Human Trafficking to Federal law enforcement: (866) 347-2423
Get Help from the National Human Trafficking Helpline: (888) 373-7888
Industry Professional Toolkits: dhs.gov/blue-campaign/materials/toolkits
dhs.gov/blue-campaign

Central Ohio Reach and Restore Coalition

Provides a collaborative community response to human trafficking in central Ohio through education, services for survivors, advocacy, and prosecution. They hold monthly meetings that are open to the public. They also provide free workshops and trainings on human trafficking.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888
(614) 437-2149
swo.salvationarmy.org/reachandrestore/

Central Ohio Youth for Christ (COYFC) (Includes Gracehaven and Wellspring Counseling)

A faith-based organization that offers free programs for youth through partnerships with local churches. Programs include:

  • City Life: Offers free group meetings, mentoring relationships, free childcare and other support for teen moms, job and life skills training and financial literacy for teens in Reynoldsburg and Franklinton.
  • Equip Skills Center: Teaches teens how to perform automobile maintenance and repairs. Donated cars are repaired under the supervision of a certified mechanic.
    (614) 237-7300
  • Point Break: A day-long anti-bullying seminars for area high schools. This evidence-based program helps teens develop compassion for each other.
  • Juvenile Justice Ministries: Offers spiritual counseling sessions and small interactive chapel services for incarcerated youth at multiple juvenile detention centers. Connects teens who have been released with mentors and peer groups.
  • Deaf Teen Quest: Fellowship groups for teens who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Gracehaven: Services for trafficked and exploited youth include a therapeutic group home, case management, and mentoring.
    (614) 665-0665
  • Parent Life: Connects expectant and parenting teens with adult volunteers and community partners for help with parenting skills, childcare, transportation, mentoring, and more.
  • Wellspring Counseling: Provides low-cost counseling at several Columbus locations. Their licensed counselors provide clinical individual and family counseling, psychological assessments, and referrals to community services for ages 5 and older. No psychiatry or medication management services. They accept private insurance or self-pay with sliding scale fees.
    1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 538-0353

PO Box 14804, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 848-4870
coyfc.org

CleanTurn

Provides affordable and professional home cleaning services, construction services, and commercial cleaning services. They are a fair chance, “second chance” employer offering employment for individuals who have experienced incarceration, addiction, homelessness, or human trafficking. The employment program includes career advancement training, coaching and interactive classes to reach personal and professional goals, comprehensive benefits package, and on-site counseling. Visit the website to request a quote for services or to complete a job application.
1059 Cable Avenue, Suite A, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 447-0528
cleanturn.com

Freedom a la Cart

Café and catering kitchen providing empowering survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. Anyone can go online to view their Café Menu, place a Catering order, or purchase a gift card. Their programs include a 2 -year comprehensive workforce development program, CATCH Court Support for victims involved in the justice system, and affordable housing. The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer program for women healing from trauma and substance use disorder to work towards a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with paperwork, get record expungement, and other supports. They also offer community events, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities.
123 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 992-3252
freedomalacart.org

HEAL Trafficking

HEAL stands for Health, Education, Advocacy, and Linkage. HEAL is a network of survivors and multidisciplinary professionals dedicated to ending human trafficking and supporting its survivors, from a public health perspective. Their website has trauma-informed protocols for healthcare providers, research articles, online forums for researchers and healthcare workers, training and advocacy opportunities, and more. Visit the website for contact information.
healtrafficking.org

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

MY Project USA

A faith-based organization working to protect and empower youth and families in underserved neighborhoods. They offer a free healthcare clinic, food pantry, parent education, and community events. Their website has educational resources for parents on internet safety, abuse, and more. Youth programming includes a reading program for grades 1-9, youth soccer league, and free counseling and mentoring. The MY Helpline is a referral service for survivors and victims of gangs, trafficking, drugs, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and violence in Central Ohio.
3275 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 905-0977
MY Helpline: (614) 971-9375
myprojectusa.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The nation’s largest child protection organization with many programs and resources for exploited and vulnerable children and families:

  • Missing Children: Resources on what to do if your child goes missing, a searchable database of AMBER Alerts and missing child posters to help locate your child. NCMEC can assist with reunification. Families may qualify for transportation at low or no cost to them once children are recovered. Call the 24/7 Tipline for help.
    (800) 843-5678
    What to Do If Your Child Is Missing: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/isyourchildmissing
    Search for Missing Children: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/search
  • CyberTipline: Centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can call or go online 24/7 to report a missing child, child enticement, pornography, sexual abuse, trafficking, or misleading internet content.
    (800) 843-5678
    report.cybertip.org
  • Take It Down: This service can help remove online nude/explicit photos from the internet that were taken before the age of 18.
    takeitdown.ncmec.org
  • Team HOPE: Matches individuals and families who have experienced sexual exploitation with trained, lived-experience peer volunteers to provide compassionate support.
    (866) 305-4673
    missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
  • NetSmartz: A website for middle and high schoolers with fun resources, videos, and games on healthy relationships and internet safety.
    missingkids.org/NetSmartz/home
  • Education: Important information on topics like recovering from abuse, support for siblings and family members, Autism and wandering, family abduction, sextortion, and more. NCMEC provides professional safety trainings, such as Code ADAM. They also offer legal technical assistance and help connecting to specialized mental health providers.

missingkids.org/home

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) Ohio

Program: Offers an array of therapeutic services for youth and families including foster parent training, kinship care and adoption support, community-based and home-based behavioral/mental health services, group living care, independent and transitional living services, case management, substance abuse treatment, services for sexually reactive children, services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and services for unaccompanied youth. They offer services across the country and Ohio. Information for the Columbus office is listed below.
Eligibility: Ages 5 to 21.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else.
527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9444
nyap.org/ohio

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID R Kids

Ohio ID Cards are available for residents with no minimum age requirement. They are used for identification purposes only in case a child is reported missing or another emergency. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can add their contact information to their child’s record. Fees are waived for children under age 17 and individuals with a permanent disability. Visit a deputy registrar location with required documents to apply for a card.
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Information: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS): Ohio Refugee Services Program

Ohio services and benefits created to help those legally defined as refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, foreign-born victims of human trafficking, or secondary migrants. Services include health screenings, cash assistance, employability services, school integration services, and support services for refugees age 60+. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) provides Medicaid coverage for refugees during their first 12 months of living in the United States. Applications for benefits can be made through a local county department of Job and Family Services. Visit the website for additional program details.
(614) 466-4815
Ohio Refugee Services Website: jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/refugee-services/information-for-refugees/about-refugee-services
Benefits Application Portal: ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Franklin County Job and Family Services: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs

Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force

The Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force works to investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes and support victims. Go online to find human trafficking resources and a directory of anti-human trafficking coalitions in Ohio. Professionals can find information on grants funding, training opportunities, community outreach materials, and more.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888 or text “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733
Human Trafficking Task Force: humantrafficking.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Health Human Trafficking Resources: odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-prevention-program/human-trafficking

Ohio Human Trafficking Victim Services Directory

Run by the Ohio State Attorney General’s Office, this website is a searchable database of agencies and programs offering services to survivors of human trafficking. Search by county or by category, including residential programs, substance use treatment, drop-in centers, peer support, housing, trauma therapy, emergency response lines and more.
www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/HTVictimServicesDirectory

Polaris Project

National, survivor-centered movement to end human trafficking. They operate the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which provides immediate support across the United States 24/7. The Resilience Fund offers direct cash assistance as available, to survivors selected through their application process (currently closed until June 2024). Their website has important information on recognizing and ending human trafficking and modern day slavery; myths, facts, and statistics; and advocacy opportunities.
General Information: (202) 790-6300
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call (888) 373-7888 or Text “BEFREE” to 233733
polarisproject.org

Reaching for the Shining Starz

A survivor-led organization helping women caught in human trafficking, addiction, and homelessness. Each Sunday, their volunteers provide hygiene bags, meals, and clothing to women on Sullivant Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Go online to contact the organization, donate money or supplies, or sign up to volunteer.
PO Box 23402, Columbus, Ohio 43222
theshiningstarz.org

Safe at Home

An address confidentiality program for survivors of crime in Ohio. Protects victims of domestic violence, sexual battery, human trafficking, rape, or menacing by stalking, by keeping their personal information private. Participants are assigned a substitute address to serve as their address in virtually all state and local public records, and receive confidential voter registration forms. To join the program, survivors must apply through a certified Application Assistant who works or volunteers at an approved agency or organization. Go online to find a list of Application Assistants in your county.
(614) 995-2255
PO Box 16395, Columbus, Ohio 43216
Find An Application Assistant: ohiosos.gov/secretary-office/office-initiatives/safe-at-home/survivors/victims-organizations
Program Information: safeathomeohio.gov

Salvation Army

Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer youth programs, food assistance, emergency utility assistance, support for human trafficking survivors, and addiction recovery. Their thrift stores offer items at bargain prices to fund programs. You can find thrift store, church locations, and program details on their website.

  • Administrative Office
    966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 253-6811 or (800) 725-2769
  • Housing Service Locations
    Franklin County: 966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Delaware & Union Counties: 3769 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    Morrow County: 644 West Marion Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
    Homeless Hotline: (614) 274-7000
  • Youth Learning Centers
    Free after school programs, music & arts, and summer camps for K-5.
    Linden: 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
    Hilltop: 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 437-2159
  • Food Pantries: Call to schedule an appointment
    Franklin County: (614) 341-2282
    Delaware County: (740) 369-5301
    Union County: (740) 363-9487
    Senior Food Boxes: (614) 437-2134
  • Human Trafficking Services:
    24/7 Hotline: (888) 373-7888
    (614) 358-2614
  • Addiction Rehabilitation Center: Serves men struggling with addiction
    (614) 221-4269
  • Emergency Utility Assistance:
    Use the link to find a caseworker in your zip code for assistance.
    easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/caseworker-zip-code-list/

easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home

Sanctuary Night

Drop-in center on the West side of Columbus for womxn at risk for sexual exploitation who need a place to rest, eat, connect, and get desired resources. Certified Peer Support Specialists and Clinical Case Managers connect women to requested services and provide relational support. It has a large kitchen for women to make and eat meals together, two showers, a washer/dryer, a clothing & hygiene closet, a healthcare clinic, and a hospitality room where guests can hang out and rest. They also provide harm-reduction tools, such as Narcan and condoms, as well as case management and peer support services.
(614) 349-1154
1195 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
sanctuarynight.com

She Has A Name

Non-profit fighting human trafficking in Central Ohio. They are a leader of anti-human trafficking education and offer regular community trainings on Anti-Human Trafficking, Human Trafficking 101, and Trauma Responsive Care. They also provide support groups, a financial award, and an academic scholarship for survivors. Go online for program dates and details.
605 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 636-0421
shehasaname.org

Survivor’s Ink

Provides scholarships to survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to have physical scars, tattoos, or markings covered by volunteer tattoo artists.
PO Box 905 , Jackson, Ohio, 45640
facebook.com/SurvivorsInk.org

US Together

Mutual assistance agency serving refugees and immigrants in Ohio. Services include ESL classes, interpreter services, intensive case management, comprehensive care for victims of crime or gender violence, citizenship tutoring, healthcare access, and more.
ustogether.us

  • Columbus: 1415 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 437-9941
  • Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
    (216) 456-9630
  • Toledo: 3450 West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
    (419) 469-2529

We Amplify Voices (WAV)

Provides free creative workshops to bring people together and turn their experiences and emotions into visual or musical art. The WAV Club is a free after school program for Grades 4-8 to express themselves. They host a variety of weekly art workshops for all ages year-round. They also host specialized programs at 6 middle schools, women’s prisons, for victims of human trafficking, and adults with developmental disabilities. Go online to register for workshops, volunteer as an artist, or to stream their music.
1327 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 525-0369
weamplifyvoices.org

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