Governor DeSantis and the State Legislator Awards United Way Pasco $969,067 to Expand Human Trafficking Survivor Services Across Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7th, 2026
United Way of Pasco County
Governor DeSantis and the State Legislator Awards United Way Pasco $969,067 to Expand Human Trafficking Survivor Services Across Florida
Land O' Lakes, FL- United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) has been awarded $969,067 through the Florida State Appropriations process to continue and expand its nationally recognized Fighting Human Trafficking Program. The award will strengthen emergency response, housing, mental health, and long-term recovery services for survivors of human trafficking throughout Florida.
The funding will allow UWPC to continue providing comprehensive, survivor-centered services including:
Maintaining long-term transitional housing units for survivors and their families.
Providing statewide emergency hotel placements for survivors in immediate crisis referred by law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
Offering trauma-informed therapy, behavioral health counseling, psychiatric referrals, and survivor support groups at no cost.
Coordinating transportation, medical and dental care, healthcare referrals, internet connectivity for housing participants, and other essential wraparound services that help survivors achieve long-term independence.
The program also continues to provide individualized case management and coordinated safety planning, ensuring every participant receives comprehensive support tailored to their recovery journey.
The funding will support measurable program outcomes throughout the upcoming grant year, including ensuring every participant is offered trauma therapy and healthcare referrals, facilitating monthly survivor support groups, maintaining housing units, providing emergency hotel accommodations for survivors in crisis, coordinating transportation to critical services, and expanding behavioral health and medical assistance.
Over the past five years, the program has:
Assisted 420 survivors of sex and labor trafficking throughout Florida.
Maintained a 100% housing retention rate among transitional housing participants, and a 98% success rate of survivors graduating the program and not returning to the human trafficking world within three years post-graduation.
Conducted more than 5,000 hours of case management sessions.
Coordinated more than 300 referrals for legal, medical, employment, behavioral health, and other supportive services.
Provided more than 90 survivors with emergency hotel placements, helping them flee dangerous situations.
Delivered thousands of hours of advocacy, crisis response, and trauma-informed support.
"This investment demonstrates Florida's continued commitment to protecting survivors and ensuring they have access to the services necessary to rebuild their lives," said Laura Ospina-Knight, President and CEO of UWPC. "We are deeply grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis for supporting our program, which aligns with the State of Florida’s mission to end human trafficking through dismantling trafficking networks and rescuing survivors. We thank our sponsors Representative Brad Yeager and Senator Ed Hooper who year after year championed our program in sessions, and to the entire Pasco County Delegation including Representative Jeff Holcomb, Senator Danny Burgess, Senator Blaise Ingoglia, Representative Randy Maggard, and Representative Kevin Steele; Shawn Foster of Sunrise Consulting Group, and all of our state partners who have championed this program from the beginning. Their continued support allows us to respond immediately when survivors need safety, stability, and hope."
Since launching in 2020, UWPC's Fighting Human Trafficking Program has become one of Florida's most comprehensive direct-service programs for survivors. UWPC is the only agency in Florida to offer emergency hotel stays for survivors.
Fighting Human Trafficking Program Manager, Benjamin Ortberg said, “The funding comes at a critical time as there are survivors on our wait list today who need safe housing and immediate support. This funding means we can respond faster, provide stability when someone is escaping exploitation, and continue walking alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.”
Representative Brad Yeager reflected, “The United Way is on the front lines combating and helping victims of human trafficking in our community. The work they do fills such a critical need and I am proud to help them continue to provide and expand their services.”
Senator Ed Hooper, who championed this program from its establishment noted, "Supporting programs that strengthen Pasco County and improve the lives of our residents is one of my highest priorities. United Way of Pasco County has built a unique partnership with the State of Florida to ensure these funds are translated into meaningful services for survivors of human trafficking, and I am proud to have supported this important work since 2020. Together, we are investing in safety, recovery, and brighter futures for some of our community's most vulnerable individuals."
UWPC's Fighting Human Trafficking Program provides comprehensive wraparound services that address the complex challenges survivors face after leaving trafficking situations. Services include housing assistance, case management, behavioral health counseling, trauma therapy, medical and dental care, transportation, legal referrals, workforce development, education assistance, and ongoing advocacy designed to promote long-term independence.
UWPC Board Chair and Pasco County Schools Assistant Superintendent, Kevin Shibley echoed, “Every housing placement, counseling session, and emergency response represents someone receiving a real opportunity for recovery. I am proud to continue leading a Board that supports such a program."
Board Member, Jacques Hakim continued, “As someone who has spent years serving our community through education, civic leadership, and volunteerism, I have seen firsthand how human trafficking destroys lives, families, and futures. This fight is not just about rescue—it is about restoration, dignity, and giving survivors a real chance to reclaim their lives. Through my volunteering with law enforcement partners, community organizations, and advocacy groups, I have learned that prevention and survivor support must go hand in hand. Human trafficking thrives in silence, and it is our collective responsibility to confront it with urgency, compassion, and action. I am proud that United Way of Pasco County continues to lead this critical work, ensuring survivors across Florida have access to safety, healing, and hope for a better tomorrow.”
United Way of Pasco County continues to earn the highest 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for accountability and financial stewardship. The Fighting Human Trafficking Program is also recognized as a trusted partner by leading anti-trafficking organizations and law enforcement agencies throughout Florida.
Individuals or agencies seeking assistance or wishing to learn more about the Fighting Human Trafficking Program may visit https://www.unitedwaypasco.org/fighting-human-trafficking-program-1 or contact United Way of Pasco County at 727-845-3030.
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Media Contact:
Marissa Abanico
727-359-8850
marissak@unitedwaypasco.org
United Way of Pasco County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve lives for children, families, and individuals in all of Pasco County. We work with over 50 partner agencies to assist our neighbors in their darkest hours and to find sustainable solutions to major issues in our community.