Harbour Hope International announced the launch of the Comprehensive Survivor Care Continuum, a holistic, trauma-informed initiative serving survivors of human trafficking and their children across South Lake County. The program is made possible through a $50,000 grant from Live Well Foundation of South Lake.
Led by CEO Merrie Karimov, the initiative will reach individuals in communities throughout the region, including Clermont, Four Corners, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, and Monteverde, with a goal of serving more than 15 survivors within its first 12 months. Through individualized case management, safety planning, mental health support, life-skills coaching, and leadership development, the program is designed to help survivors rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability.
Harbour Hope International is collaborating with a broad network of local and regional partners — including county sheriff’s offices, human trafficking task forces, BRIGHT Network, FLITE Center, and Housing Connector — to strengthen service delivery and expand access to critical resources. Live Well Foundation Grant Committee Chair, Susan McLean, affirmed the importance of this collaborative approach, stating that “this investment reflects our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. By funding trauma-informed, collaborative solutions, we are helping survivors move toward healing, independence, and long-term success.”
Key outcomes of the initiative include improved housing stability, increased access to employment and educational opportunities, stronger social support networks, and enhanced overall well-being for survivors and their families. The program’s survivor-centered approach recognizes the complex, interconnected challenges faced by individuals recovering from trafficking situations, and is built to address them with the depth and care they require.
For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.
