HT Ministries

The Harriet Tubman Movement has grown over several years in offering individualized, tailored case management support for sex trafficking victim clients who are working toward a life of restoration. We have increased the number of undercover operations we have worked on as a Victim Service Providers with law enforcement. HTM became an employer in Ohio in January 2024. Laura Bartchak, who was a Founder and acting Director on a contracted basis, was employed, as well as the first Program Manager to add to the programming component and oversee direct services to clients. Volunteer Advocates actively worked with 41 new clients and 29 existing clients this year, with referrals from the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, other law enforcement agencies, healthcare staff, shelters, counselors, and the community. Advocates were dispatched to assess the situation and provide for immediate needs such as food, clothing, or connection with medical services. Advocates transported victims to safe shelter and worked to develop rapport and present options for long-term restoration with new clients, as well as continuing to work with existing clients from previous year(s). Individualized goals were established and barriers to goals assessed. Material support, case management, and personal advocacy were offered to overcome those barriers, such as help obtaining IDs, working on court obligations, addressing medical issues and more. Transportation was then provided for our clients who chose to go to a long-term restoration program, both in and outside of Ohio. Programming was expanded to offer mentoring to survivors who returned to the area after completion of a program and/or those living locally, to aid the transition to independent living. Trafficking Awareness and education continued with over 1800 people hearing the message at various events. Strategic planning started with the goal of opening Ohios second trafficking-specific emergency home for women rescued from sex trafficking.