The Human Trafficking Crisis in Orange County
Human trafficking remains a serious and underreported issue in Orange County. According to the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, an average of 133 new victims are identified each year—with the real number likely much higher. Victims often face barriers like fear, coercion, and lack of resources, which prevent them from seeking help or escaping exploitation.
Why Financial Literacy Matters for Survivors
Long-term recovery for survivors often depends on achieving financial stability and independence. Many survivors identify savings, budgeting, and debt management as urgent needs. However, due to manipulation and abuse from traffickers—such as coerced debt or damaged credit—standard financial programs often fall short.
Consequently, there is a critical gap in financial empowerment services that are trauma-informed and survivor-centered.
How SparkPoint OC Supports Financial Recovery
Launched by Orange County United Way in 2012, SparkPoint OC is a financial empowerment program that offers up to 12 months of free, one-on-one coaching. With nine Financial Empowerment Centers, the program has helped thousands of families increase income, improve credit, and reduce debt.
In 2025, SparkPoint OC expanded to serve a vulnerable population more directly.
Introducing SparkPoint OC for Survivors
SparkPoint OC for Survivors launched in January 2025 to provide mobile financial services specifically tailored to human trafficking survivors. The program works in collaboration with trusted partners in crisis response, legal aid, shelters, and mental health—offering safe, familiar meeting locations and seamless handoffs between support providers.
The personalized approach ensures that survivors can heal financially and emotionally, using strategies designed around their lived experiences.
Financial Education as a Tool for Freedom
For survivors, financial education is about more than numbers—it’s about regaining control. Learning how to manage finances, rebuild credit, and establish savings equips them with tools to break the cycle of exploitation.
Through trauma-informed financial literacy, survivors are empowered to build independence, self-sufficiency, and hope.
By Taylor Montano, Director of Operations, Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security Initiative
SparkPoint OC is part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security initiative.
