The 2025 Update from the Next Steps Team
The CAHT Board reviewed and approved 5 Next Steps Awards:
D. C. received her award to pay court costs and probation fees so she can get her level 2 background check and work as a survivor leader.
E. S. received her award to pay down court fees from her trafficking trauma.
C.R. received her award to pay off school fees so that she can begin her work on a master’s degree in 2026.
T.P. received her award to pay down her car payments.
K.L. received her award to pay off her court fines so she can get her license back.
We are very happy to help these deserving young women!
I am excited to introduce our program, the Next Steps Awards Program. This will support survivors of human trafficking as they take the next step towards their future.
The goal of this program is to provide financial support to survivors of human trafficking who are currently enrolled in, or have completed, a recovery program in Florida.
Through our collaboration with shelters and survivors, we’ve identified a critical gap in support as individuals transition from recovery to independent living. Survivors often face financial barriers that delay their ability to pursue education, secure employment, or meet daily living needs. This award aims to bridge that gap by offering assistance with costs not typically covered by scholarships—such as books, class fees, transportation, or childcare for survivors who are parents. Support may also include help with other essential expenses that contribute to long-term independence. By easing these financial burdens, the program empowers survivors to take their next steps with greater stability and confidence The Next Steps Awards program supports survivors of human trafficking as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. The Campaign Against Human Trafficking believes recovery is just the beginning, and every survivor deserves the chance to pursue education, stable housing, and a meaningful career. By easing the financial burden, we invest in resilience, restore dignity, and help individuals take their next step into new beginnings.