Enhancing Access to Comprehensive Services for Human Trafficking Victims in Maine

Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services (ATS) and partners will serve 150 victims of trafficking (VOTs) over the three-year grant period with a primary goal to enhance victims’ access to the comprehensive case management and diverse services that victims of labor and sex trafficking often require to address their needs. ATS will expand trauma-informed, comprehensive services to a greater number of VOTs, including foreign nationals from African and LatinX communities, individuals in the criminal justice system, and minors, primarily foreign nationals, and enhance capacity building efforts within Cumberland, York, and Androscoggin counties, the three most populous counties in Maine. Activities include direct intensive case management through a team of dedicated caseworkers who provide trauma-informed, empowerment-centered, wrap-around support; referrals to community partners through information sharing or warm hand-offs; partnership development to facilitate referral mechanisms; training to community partners to increase identification and response and leverage available resources; opportunities for survivor community building, leadership, and survivor created group initiatives, Survivor Advisory Board, and other stipend activities; and direct outreach to high-risk, marginalized communities. Program objectives are: 1) Provide services to meet the individual needs of victims of human trafficking (VOTs) in Cumberland, York, and Androscoggin counties, Maine; 2) Collaborate with and train local partners (service providers, criminal justice professionals, members of the judiciary, community, faith-based organizations, etc.) to ensure VOTs are properly identified and referred for appropriate services; 3) Assist with or refer to other essential services for victims of human trafficking; and 4) Collect data and participate in evaluation activities to determine if the program is meeting stated goals and objectives. Subrecipients of this proposal include Eunice Nuna, who will conduct targeted outreach to foreign national adults and minors, provide expertise on improving service delivery for marginalized communities, and facilitate a group for foreign national youth and their families. Sea Change Yoga will provide weekly alternative wellness classes. These groups and classes will be offered at the Preble Street Healing Center.