COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — More than $2 million in grants will support organizations providing services to human trafficking survivors across Ohio, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced.
Thirty-two nonprofit organizations serving 35 counties will receive funding through the Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program. Additional nonprofit organizations will provide services to survivors on a statewide basis.
Among the recipients serving the region, Tri-County Help Center Inc. will receive $47,352 to serve Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties.
Three organizations will receive funding to provide services statewide: Asian Services in Action Inc., $94,999.78; Gracehaven, $85,909.06; and Empower Her Network, $90,000.
Launched by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2023, the program is intended to help address the needs of the growing number of people affected by sex and labor trafficking in Ohio.
Funded services include victim advocacy, mental health care, education and employment assistance, and shelter and housing programs.
The program was developed in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly and first received funding through the state’s previous two-year operating budget. Funding continued in the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget.
Nonprofit organizations providing direct support to trafficking victims or people considered at high risk of trafficking were eligible to apply. Priority was given to applicants demonstrating evidence-based and survivor-informed programming.
The Office of Criminal Justice Services, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, administers the grant program and serves as the state’s lead justice planning and assistance office.
Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by AVC News
