The program is one of the region's primary providers of direct support to trafficking survivors, offering case management, housing assistance, legal referrals and other services. The delay in federal grant disbursements means the initiative cannot sustain its current staffing and service levels into the new year, according to the organization.

The Bakhita Empowerment Initiative is named for St. Josephine Bakhita, a formerly enslaved Sudanese woman who became a Catholic saint and is the patron saint of trafficking victims. The program has operated in Louisville as part of Catholic Charities' broader social services network.

Federal anti-trafficking grants are typically awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, which fund victim service providers, task forces and prevention programs across the country. When those awards are delayed, local organizations often must bridge the gap with private donations or reduce services.

The scale-back comes as advocates nationally warn that trafficking survivors face long waits for housing, mental health care and immigration relief. Local providers say any interruption in funding can set survivors back, particularly those who are rebuilding their lives after exploitation.

Catholic Charities of Louisville has not said how many clients could be affected or which specific services will be reduced. The organization said it expects to continue only a portion of its work starting in January.

The funding uncertainty also raises questions for other local anti-trafficking efforts that rely on federal support, including law enforcement task forces and nonprofit partners that coordinate referrals with the Bakhita initiative.

Community members interested in supporting the program can contact Catholic Charities of Louisville directly.