BUFFALO, N.Y. — The National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified nearly 165,000 victims of human trafficking since its inception in 2007, and more than 7,700 of them were in New York state.

One woman from Buffalo is on a mission to end human trafficking by educating and empowering young girls in vulnerable situations.

“Vulnerable populations in children look like foster children," said Kelly Galloway, founder of the FreeTHEM Center and Project Mona House. "They look like runaways. Children who abuse substances. Children who are part of the LGBTQ+ population. Children who have a history of trauma. Individuals who are classified as poor."

She said true stories of human trafficking inspired her to be proactive in ending the problem that reaches every corner of the globe. In Buffalo alone, she said she has helped an average of 120 girls a year through programs at the FreeTHEM Center.

The center is located at 852 Kensington Ave. and every corner is decorated with inspiring historical women figures, with a focus on Black women who have helped to change the course of history.

“Every time they come into the center, they say, ‘I’m an empowered girl. I will absolutely change the world. I’m enough and I’m proud of myself. Never will I hide my light on anybody’s shelf,'" Galloway said. "And they have this entire declaration that they do."

Anyone with a human trafficking tip to report can do so to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by texting 233-733, calling 1-888-373-7888, or visiting their website.