Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced a significant financial boost for anti-trafficking efforts in Pennsylvania. The Office of Attorney General received a multi-million dollar grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to support Operation PA STRIKE, an initiative focused on human trafficking education and investigation.
The grant, exceeding $10 million, is designated for use over five years and aims to expand the Human Trafficking Section's work within the Office of Attorney General. This expansion will now include a focus on labor trafficking organizations affecting workers across the state.
Attorney General Henry expressed her gratitude for the funding: “I am proud of the progress we have already made to combat traffickers, and am grateful to receive funding that will make a difference for even more survivors of trafficking crimes,” she stated. She emphasized that human trafficking affects all demographics and reaffirmed her office's commitment to justice for victims.
The grant supports a statewide multidisciplinary team approach through "Operation PA STRIKE," which involves hiring additional personnel for combating human trafficking. Funds are also allocated to partner organizations like New Day and LIGHT via The Salvation Army and Justice at Work (JaW), aiming to enhance outreach and support services for vulnerable communities.
Since its inception in 2024, the Human Trafficking Section has seen an increase in active investigations into both sex and labor trafficking operations. The office remains committed to pursuing these dangerous organizations with continued legislative and community backing.
Justice at Work brings extensive experience in supporting labor trafficking victims through legal cases, while The Salvation Army provides comprehensive services aimed at improving lives globally since its establishment in 1865.