NAPLES  — Child survivors of human trafficking often arrive at Path2Freedom carrying more than emotional trauma. Many have experienced threats, coercion, violence, and repeated violations of their personal safety. For these survivors, feeling secure is not simply comfort, it is the foundation of recovery.

Path2Freedom, a Southwest Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to creating hope and healing for child survivors of sex trafficking in Florida, has received a $40,000 grant from The Women’s Foundation of Collier County. Funds will support Path2Freedom’s comprehensive safety enhancement initiative at its Magnolia Safe House in Collier County, a specialized residential program serving girls ages 10 to 17 who have been rescued from sex trafficking.

The Women’s Foundation of Collier County awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Funding is made possible by donors who believe in the Women’s Foundation and its ability to identify and grant to the most pressing needs of women and girls in Collier County.

The project will introduce expanded perimeter security, advanced surveillance systems, enhanced lighting, privacy fencing, and upgraded on-site operational space designed to create a safer environment for both survivors and the dedicated staff who care for them.

“When our staff feel confident that the environment is secure, they can devote more energy to what matters most, walking alongside survivors on their journeys toward freedom and restoration,” said Jon Stevenson, Co-Founder and Executive Director.

Florida remains one of the nation’s hotspots for human trafficking. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, 596 children were identified as victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children during 2024-2025. Yet only 34 licensed long-term safe beds currently exist statewide for child trafficking survivors. Path2Freedom provides 10 of those beds through its Magnolia Safe Houses in Lee and Collier Counties.

“Before healing can begin, a child must know she is safe,” said Ana Stevenson, Founder and President of Path2Freedom. “Every fence, camera, light, and security measure represents more than infrastructure. It represents peace of mind. It tells a survivor, ‘You are protected here, you can rest here, you can heal here.’”

About the Women’s Foundation of Collier County:The Women’s Foundation of Collier County (WFCC), established in 1996, is a field-of-interest fund administered by the Collier Community Foundation. Its mission is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls in Collier County through grantmaking, advocacy, and education. WFCC has granted over $2,000,000 to local women’s programs and organizations. Learn more at wfcollier.org.

About Path2Freedom, Inc: Path2Freedom, Inc. is a Southwest Florida–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating hope and healing for child survivors of sex trafficking. The organization was founded in 2015 by Ana Stevenson, whose personal conviction grew after learning about the widespread exploitation of children through the Florida Gulf Coast sex trade. After meeting one special young girl who had fallen victim to this rapidly growing criminal enterprise, Ana launched Path2Freedom and the Magnolia Model of care and services to provide hope and healing to rescued adolescent female sex trafficking survivors.