Every fall around here, we lean into the important conversations being had around human trafficking in our city, nation, and world --- not just to talk about it, but to do something about it.
We do this because we exist to support employment that reduces vulnerability and human trafficking is one of the painful realities that many are vulnerable to without the opportunity of fair employment.
We do this because it is estimated that 40 million people are trafficked worldwide.* That is 1 in every 200 people.
We do this because 80% of those rescued out of trafficking will be re-trafficked absent employment opportunities.*
We do this because being aware of human trafficking is just not enough. We want to learn from survivors and voices who are on the front-lines every day, we want to be empowered to report, and we want to give to freedom in all the ways.
We do this because people matter more.
Sooooo, we are honored to offer a few ways we can learn, give, and grow together, this fall, as we lean into our role as advocates for freedom in our city and around the world. We invite you to join us in this. Choose one, jump in to all 5 ways, invite a friend to learn with, or maybe do this as a family, business, church, or community. Just let us know however we can support you.
#1 GIVE WITH US.
We are collecting cleaning supplies for our sisters at Latisha's House. All season, when you bring something in to the shop - you'll get an entry to our $50 gift-card giveaway.
Starting today, at the shop, you can round up your total to give to our Non-Profit Partner this fall, FreeKind. In case you haven't heard about them, they are leading the way locally in preventing human trafficking and coming alongside survivors.
#2 GET CERTIFIED WITH US.
Our team is in the process of going through the "On-Watch" Certification program, a phenomenal way to grow more aware of the signs of human trafficking and to know what to do when you suspect something. We invite you to join us. It is about 10 sessions, 5 minutes each, and super helpful, powerful, and practical. PLUS, an incentive: become certified, send over your certificate to us, and we will send you a code to get 30% off any item in the shop!
#3 SHOP WITH US.
We know that the biggest way we support you in fighting for freedom is connecting you to good stories of good employment that are reducing vulnerability all around the world. When you shop with us, you are supporting the kind of work that offers dignity, hope, and freedom.
Coming up on Saturday, September 30th, we are hosting our third ever --- the market: fall freedom edition! This is where you get to shop a curated collection of local makers + intentional brands, all while giving toward the anti human-trafficking + freedom-giving work of FreeKind right here in Virginia. There will be fall foods, teas, and coffee to share while walking our street of makers and learning about how you can be an advocate for freedom right here in our hometown.
ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARKET: FALL FREEDOM EDITION.
#4 SWAP WITH US.
You're invited to swap clothes while giving to freedom. Your ticket gets you access to all the goodness going on at The Freedom Clothes Swap. First, racks of clothing to pick from, a glass of fall sangria and all the fall foods, AND a donation to FreeKind. Tickets are $7 if purchased before and $10 at the door. Join us Saturday, October 21st from 9am-12pm on our sidewalk, in front of the shop.
ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FREEDOM CLOTHES SWAP.
#5 LEARN WITH US.
All fall, on Instagram and in our newsletter, we will be sharing tips, facts, and thoughts from a few voices we respect and look to in the anti-trafficking space or addressing intersectional conversations are. Follow along and if there is something specific you want to know, please reach out.
We are also planning a few other opportunities within the category of learning together (maybe a panel discussion with a few of those same voices? And, a film screening?). Stay tuned --- we will have all the details soon.
* This fact was taken from the Freedom Business Alliance, which we are applying to be a part of.
My daughter in law gave me a Xmas ornament from your shop. I love it. I was blessed to be able to go the Africa twice when I taught at Widener Law school. I realized how wonderful the crafts were there and how many folks needed support through the purchase of their arts and crafts. I love the delicate leather tree shaped ornament