The LIGHT Project Ensures Brighter Futures
Labor and sex trafficking continues to be a major, yet often unseen problem in the world today and here at home in Western Pennsylvania. The LIGHT Project, Leading Individuals Gracefully out of Human Trafficking, is an initiative designed to empower survivors to take back their independence.
The LIGHT Project in Pittsburgh recently helped a young man who grew up in Honduras. He had been a labor trafficking victim since age eight, working long and abusive hours at a farm for his father. Eventually, he escaped his situation and fled to the United States to be with his mother. Upon arrival, he had very little understanding of English. Since coming to the U.S and beginning his time with the LIGHT Project, he has made friends at school and has been on the soccer team for a full season.
He is currently taking ESL classes at school and is developing a love for music and the drums. The LIGHT Project has helped this young man with clothing, school supplies, transportation, applications for benefits, as well as legal services. While he still has a long way to go in terms of citizenship, he is finally able to simply be a kid with a real shot at being happy.
This bright future is made possible thanks to your support of The Salvation Army. If you would like to learn more about this initiative, visit salvationarmywpa.org/lightproject. For immediate support, call the national human trafficking hotline 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888, or text “befree” (233733) to get connected across the United States.