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About Us
About Forged in the Fire: Lorain County Anti Trafficking Nonprofit
Restoring hope. Rebuilding lives. Empowering survivors.
Forged in the Fire exists to provide trauma-informed support, advocacy, safe housing pathways, and holistic care for survivors of commercial sex trafficking — meeting survivors where they are and walking alongside them toward freedom and healing.
Our Mission
Forged in the Fire is committed to empowering survivors of commercial sex trafficking through safe housing, trauma-informed advocacy, crisis support, education, vocational support, and community reintegration — fostering healing, independence, and lasting hope.
Our Vision
A world where every survivor of commercial sex trafficking has the opportunity to heal, reclaim their freedom, and live with dignity and purpose.
Our Location
Lorain County Based, Northeast Ohio Focused
Forged in the Fire operates from Lorain County, Ohio, serving survivors and communities throughout Lorain County and the greater Northeast Ohio region. Our location allows us to respond to the unique needs of urban, suburban, and rural communities facing human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
Through our collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and partnerships with local law enforcement, health systems, and community organizations, we bring coordinated, survivor-centered care to those who need it most.
Leadership
Founder & Executive Leadership
Guided by experience, driven by purpose.
Tracy Springford, B.A., C.A.
Founder, President & CEO
Tracy Springford is a nationally recognized victim advocate specializing in crisis intervention for survivors of sexual assault and commercial sex trafficking. She brings more than 15 years of direct service experience in anti-human trafficking work, including over a decade serving in California.
Tracy currently serves as the designated Victim Advocate for the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, where she actively participates in statewide sting operations, search warrants, and arrest operations — providing immediate, trauma-informed advocacy to victims during law enforcement actions.
She has conducted extensive community outreach and professional training for businesses, schools, law enforcement agencies, and public and private organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and is a Certified Victim Advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program, with more than 500 hours of specialized training in trauma response, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Tracy is recognized as an expert court witness, frequently testifying on the psychological, social, and community impacts of human trafficking.
Qualifications
Credentials & Recognition
A record of expertise built through dedication, training, and direct service.
15+ Years
Direct victim advocacy experience in anti-human trafficking work
Certified Victim Advocate
National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)
Registered Advocate
Ohio Victim Advocates
500+ Training Hours
Specialized trauma response, sexual assault, and human trafficking
Designated Victim Advocate
Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force
Expert Court Witness
Testifying on the psychological, social, and community impacts of trafficking
Impact
Work in the Field
Tracy's work spans every dimension of survivor advocacy — from the moment of crisis to long-term empowerment.
Crisis Intervention
Providing immediate, trauma-informed support to survivors during law enforcement operations and in the critical hours of initial disclosure.
Community Outreach
Building awareness and response capacity across businesses, schools, faith communities, and public organizations throughout Ohio and beyond.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Working directly alongside task force operations — sting operations, search warrants, and arrest actions — to ensure survivor voices are centered from the first moment.
Professional Training
Delivering specialized training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders on trauma-informed response to trafficking.
Our Approach
Survivor-Centered Philosophy
Everything we do is guided by the belief that survivors are the experts of their own experiences.
Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize the widespread impact of trauma and integrate this understanding into all our policies and practices.
Survivor Leadership
Survivors guide our programming, ensuring services meet real needs and honor lived experiences.
Safety & Autonomy
We prioritize physical and emotional safety while respecting each survivor's right to self-determination.
Cultural Humility
We recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, ensuring inclusive and culturally responsive services.
What Drives Us
Core Values
Survivor-Centered Care
Every decision prioritizes the safety, autonomy, and dignity of survivors.
Compassion
We approach every individual with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment.
Empowerment
We equip survivors with tools, resources, and support to reclaim their lives.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.
Collaboration
We partner with communities, agencies, and advocates for maximum impact.
Resilience
We believe in the strength of survivors to overcome and thrive.
Collaboration
Community Partners
We work alongside these organizations to provide comprehensive, coordinated support.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
District Attorney Offices
Community Health Centers
Housing Authorities
Legal Aid Organizations
Stand With Survivors
Whether you or someone you know needs support, or you're ready to be part of the solution — we're here.