Salvation Army of Eastern PA awarded $250K to expand program aiding human trafficking victims
Rep. Manuel Guzman September 23, 2026 | 12:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 — The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania has been awarded a state grant of $250,000 to expand an effective program that helps victims of human trafficking. The announcement was made today by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, chair of the House Democratic Southeast Delegation; Johanny Cepeda-Freyitz, D-Berks, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus; and Manuel Guzman Jr., D-Berks.
The Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking Program was established 15 years ago in Philadelphia and will be expanded across eastern Pennsylvania with the new grant.
The program provides critical services to victims of sex and labor trafficking, 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.
“This program has a long track record of success,” O’Mara said. “Our delegation was fully supportive of this new funding, and we’re proud to see it come to fruition for communities across our region. The Salvation Army’s work is grounded in dignity, safety and the belief that every survivor deserves a chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”
“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,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “The work the Salvation Army has done in Philadelphia has been vital in supporting victims of this exploitation. I am glad to see this funding secured and look forward to seeing the New Day program expanded further into the state.”
“I’m pleased to see The Salvation Army’s New Day Program receive state funding to support its critical work combating human trafficking across Eastern Pennsylvania. I advocated for this funding because programs like New Day provide much-needed trauma-informed care, housing support and recovery services to survivors,” Guzman said. “This investment will help expand these resources and reach more communities. 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.