This month, we’re highlighting the power of collective action—from state budget advocacy to regional leadership infrastructure—to strengthen survivor-centered responses, shift systems, and prevent human trafficking in our communities.
$9M Secured for Statewide Survivor Services in Ohio Budget
Thank you, advocates, survivors, and supporters—your voices made this possible.
What started at Ohio’s first Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day at the Statehouse in January, culminated with Governor Mike DeWine’s signature on Ohio’s FY26-27 budget in June. The Governor and the Ohio General Assembly responded with a significant commitment: $9 million in state funding to support human trafficking survivor services.
This is a major victory for Ohio—and a testament to the power of collective advocacy. This investment ensures that trauma-informed, coordinated services for survivors remain available across our communities.
In late May, our President & CEO Kirsti Mouncey testified before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee, making the case for sustained, survivor-centered funding. Her message was clear:
“We cannot allow critical survivor support services to disappear in the face of funding cuts. Ohio must lead with compassion and commitment.” — Kirsti Mouncey, President & CEO
To every survivor who shared their story, to every advocate who called, emailed, or showed up—we thank you. This funding is your win.
Introducing the Inaugural Leadership Council:
A Strategic Milestone Years in the Making
This significant moment has been a long time coming.
After years of trust-building, coalition development, and shared strategy, we are proud to introduce the Leadership Council for Greater Cleveland’s Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking – Cuyahoga County’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.
The Council brings together cross-sector decision-makers committed to driving upstream prevention, strengthening survivor-centered systems, and aligning our region’s anti-trafficking efforts.
Council members represent key systems and will serve as strategic champions, connectors, and stewards of our collective work.
We’re deeply grateful to every partner who is helping to shape the Council’s foundation.
For a list of the Leadership Council members, click here.
The launch of the Leadership Council has generated thoughtful coverage across several local news outlets.
Read the stories here:
- Cleveland.com: New leadership council formed to better combat human trafficking in Cuyahoga County
- The Land: How the Collaborative is working to end modern-day slavery in Northeast Ohio
- FreshWater Cleveland: Leadership Council launched to unify anti-trafficking strategies
Learn the Fundamentals. Help End Human Trafficking.
Join this FREE, 90-minute virtual training to learn how to recognize, respond to, and prevent human trafficking in your community. Perfect for individuals, teams, educators, civic groups, and professionals across sectors. This session earns 1.5 CEUs. Nearly 3,000 people in Northeast Ohio have already participated in 2025. Don’t miss this chance to become informed and empowered. Led by Carolyn Arny, Director of Education & Training and member of the Survivor Advisory Council, this session combines lived experience with practical tools for action.
August Fundamentals via Zoom
Tuesday, August 19 | 11:30 PM – 1:00 PM
RSVP Today
September Fundamentals via Zoom
Tuesday, September 16 | 5:30 PM – 7:00PM
RSVP Today
Ethical Storytelling: The Power & Responsibility of Stories via Zoom
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
RSVP Today
Join Us for a FREE Learning Session on the core principles of ethical storytelling in the anti-trafficking movement. We’ll explore how stories can raise awareness and influence change—while also examining the risks of re-exploitation when lived experiences are misused. Participants will gain practical tools to ensure survivor dignity, agency, and safety in communications, media, and campaigns.
Led by Alicia Ley, Senior Programs Officer at Survivor Alliance, this session draws on her decade of experience supporting survivors and advancing inclusive, trauma-informed practices. Come learn how to shift from extractive narratives to ones that uplift and empower.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – July 30
Every July 30, we join the global community in recognizing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. But here’s what we know: trafficking doesn’t end with awareness—it ends with action.
This year’s theme—“Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End the Exploitation”—focuses on dismantling networks of organized abuse. That work is essential. But ending trafficking also means confronting the conditions that allow it to exist in the first place: instability, discrimination, lack of safety, and systems that too often fail survivors.
The Collaborative believes prevention starts early—long before law enforcement is involved. It starts with systems that see warning signs, communities that center care, and policies that prioritize long-term healing.
This World Day, we recommit to a more complete response:
- One that holds traffickers accountable
- One that invests in survivor-led solutions
- One that builds communities where trafficking can’t take root
- Register for a training
- Support our training & education work with a donation
- Forward this newsletter to a friend. Talk with your network.
Coming Up in August
We will continue deepening our local response and updating you on our work. We will spotlight local training opportunities and share how you can help build momentum through the fall.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Collaborative and how you can play a key role in helping to end human trafficking in our community.
