The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania has been awarded a $250,000 state grant to expand a program that helps victims of human trafficking.
The announcement was made this week by a pair of state lawmakers who represent Berks County — Johanny Cepeda-Freyitz and Manny Guzman. The Reading Democrats said the grant will allow the Salvation Army chapter to expand its New Day to Stop Trafficking Program across the region it serves. The Reading Citadel is at 301 S. Fifth St.
The program, established 15 years ago in Philadelphia, provides services to victims of sex and labor trafficking by ensuring they have a safe and supportive environment as they transition toward a healthy future.
Last year the program served more than 1,100 victims with trauma-informed case management, housing navigation and other essential support services.
Cepeda-Freytiz said in a release that she’s glad to see this funding secured and looks forward to seeing the New Day program expanded further into the state.
“Our commonwealth has one of the highest numbers of human trafficking cases in the nation, and it takes place in every community whether we can easily see it or not,” she said. “The work the Salvation Army has done in Philadelphia has been vital in supporting victims of this exploitation.”
Guzman said he advocated for this funding because programs like New Day provide much-needed support to survivors.
“This investment will help expand these resources and reach more communities,” he said. “I thank The Salvation Army for its continued commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening our communities.”
The grant was awarded through a program at the state Department of Human Services.