Harriet Tubman Movement

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. Laura Bartchak, who was a Founder and acting Director on a volunteer basis, was contracted as Executive Director to oversee programming and daily operations of the organization in 2022 and 2023. Advocates actively worked with 57 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 when a potential victim was identified. 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 over time to 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. Support was offered to survivors who returned to the area after completion of a program, to aid the transition to independent living. Trafficking Awareness and education was added to our programming, to share our expertise with the community, agencies and referral sources, to increase regional recognition of potential trafficking situations. Toward the end of the year, office space was secured for future employees to work, client meetings to be held, and team training to take place in a comfortable and conducive environment.