Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services (MATYS) Program Expansion

With funding through the OVC 2024 Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking, PROJECT HARMONY located in Omaha, Nebraska proposes a project titled “the Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services (MATYS) Program Expansion”. The primary purpose is to is to expand and enhance provision of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based services for confirmed minor sex and labor trafficking victims in the Greater Omaha, NE Metro Area. The primary activities include admitting identified youth trafficking victims into the program, evaluating them for differentiated service needs (including labor trafficking victim differentiation), connecting them with Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center mental health therapy and medical examination/care/education programs, and serving as trusted mentors and experts as victims are referred to a variety of outside community services. The expected outcomes include improving access to Project Harmony and community-based services through advocacy and barrier reduction for confirmed trafficking victims, improving their overall health, helping them reclaim their lives, and reducing revictimization. Based on the demographics of confirmed trafficking victims served and barrier reductions and other support provided to that population. The geographic service area includes much of the Omaha, NE Metro Area, with an emphasis on Douglas and Sarpy Counties with a target audience of missing and minor victims of human trafficking. There are no subrecipients for this award.