We love because He first loved us.

I John 4:19

Our First Bloom Baby Has Arrived!

Dear friends,

As you may know, we have expanded our services to pregnant survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. In June of 2021, through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we were able to purchase our newest 2-year residential program home, the Mountain Laurel House. Volunteers have been busy finishing up a few renovations and our plan is to move in three residents later this month!

Even though we aren’t in the new home yet, we did open our program to pregnant and parenting survivors several months ago and welcomed the first baby born in the program last month. Here’s her story:

Michele* was 5 months pregnant in September when she was referred to Bloom. Knowing our Mountain Laurel House would be opening soon, we welcomed Michele with open arms, trusting God to provide for her care and to give our staff and volunteers the wisdom to support Michele in this special season of life. At Michele’s first sonogram, the doctors saw something that raised concerns and after follow-up testing, Michele and Baby Emma* were referred to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Michele and I spent a day there in early December for more testing and then discussions with specialists. Baby Emma had excess fluid on one side of her brain that was continuing to increase and would require surgery immediately following birth to drain the fluid. She would most likely have developmental delays that would also require early intervention and ongoing monitoring throughout her life. These were hard words for Michele to hear and there remained unanswered questions – Emma would continue to be monitored with weekly sonograms and a C-section was scheduled for January 24th. CHOP referred Michele and Emma to pediatric neurologists at LVHN's Reilly Children's Hospital and these doctors prepared Michele for what would be next. The plan was to allow Michele to spend time with Emma immediately following birth and then within 24 hours transfer Emma for neurosurgery. So much was unknown, but we have been asking for prayer and trusting God since learning of all the complications that could arise and the specialists' concerns. 

Miraculously, Emma was born healthy on a Tuesday morning a few weeks ago -- staff were waiting eagerly for the news of what would be next following testing at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After being allowed to spend a few minutes with mom, Emma was sent to the NICU and staff was told Emma would spend 4-6 hours there so plans could be made for brain surgery. However, after a brief evaluation Emma was returned to mom and the doctors told us that Emma was perfect; all tests were normal and no surgery would be required! I was able to visit and hold Emma for her hearing test on the 26th and she is a beautiful, healthy, and perfect baby girl -- we are all so happy and Michele is especially grateful to God for this miracle and answer to our very specific prayers. 

This expansion of services is a huge step of faith, as in the past, we had several women who were pregnant that we had to turn away. This population remains underserved, and we know it’s because of the complexities that come with having children in a long-term residential program. Please pray for the women and babies that will make Mountain Laurel their home, as well as staff for wisdom, patience, and love.

Thank you for supporting our mission to provide sanctuary to heal, empower and employ women survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. We cannot do this work without your gifts of time, talent, and treasure!

To join us as a monthly sustainer and help women like Michele create a new life, click here.

Would you like to purchase necessary items and help equip our newest home, Mountain Laurel House, click here for our Amazon Wish List.

We will also need volunteers to act as mother's helpers soon. Click here to fill out our volunteer form and indicate your interest as a mother's help. We'll be in touch with more information soon.

We are so grateful for your support! Thank You!

Please know that because of YOU, survivors’ and their family’s lives are being impacted and transformed every day!

With love and appreciation,

Carol

Carol Andersen, CEO

Bloom in the News...

Our CEO Carol Andersen shared the mission of Bloom and two of our program graduates and staff members bravely shared their stories with Fox 29 News in January as part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Nice job Alyssa and Ashley!

Making an Impact!

What's Happening in our Homes

Each day in our program is a huge accomplishment for our residents as they work hard to make a better life for themselves. The following are some of our participants' milestones and activities they have participated in this past month: 

• residents had a session with Lehigh Valley therapy dogs
• ladies attended a regional convention with the help of LVAT (Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking) Week Survivor Fund
• new residents have been participating in Equilibrium - Equine Therapy

Current Needs for our Homes

It takes a lot of resources to operate our four (and soon to be five) homes and ensure we are providing our survivors with what they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Currently, we are in need of:

• Volunteers to drive residents to appointments, grocery shopping, etc.
• Sign-up to drive residents by clicking here
• Used vehicles for Bloom participants who are ready to transition into the next phase

Call our office at 610-866-5755 or email us if you may be able to help. 

Regular Monthly Prayer Meetings

Time has Changed!

The sessions will now take place on Zoom from

12:00-1:00 p.m. the second Monday of the month: February 13, March 13 and so on.  

If you are interested in joining us for prayer,

please email us.

Share the Love this February!

February is the month of sharing love and kindness with one another. The courageous women in our homes are working so hard every day on their recovery. Let’s show them some love this month!

We are creating Share the Love Boards, which will be displayed in each of our homes, where we can express our messages of hope for one another and our support. We'd love you to share a message of hope, love and encouragement! Maybe you have a favorite quote or scripture to share! Each message will be posted on our Share the Love Boards for all our survivors to see! Just a little bit of kindness goes a long way and can make a big difference in the lives of all our survivors. You may post your message below, send us a direct message or email your message.

In honor of Valentine’s Day and the month of love, we are also asking that you give $14 (or more if you choose) to help these women on their journeys.

My Sister's Closet

We Need Your Help -

Hold a Clothing Drive

Calling all church groups, women's organizations, businesses or individuals! We are in desperate need for fall/winter clothing, especially tops. Please consider holding a clothing drive for My Sister's Closet. We are looking for gently used or new women's clothing and accessories. Please contact Rebekah Fritchman to learn more!

Host a Private Gathering

It's the perfect time of year to gather your friends for some shopping and holiday cheer. Why not do it at My Sister's Closet where you can shop for a cause! Contact Rebekah Fritchman for more information on hosting a private event at our boutique!

Submit Your Outfit

We love to see our customers wearing their new purchases. Share a photo of you in your recent purchase and we'll feature you on our social media pages. Email pictures to Rebekah Fritchman.

We've Gone Bag Free!

We are doing our part! We are now bag free. Join us in becoming more sustainable!

We're offering two upcoming classes at the studio in Bangor:

Snowman Painting

February 23

6:00-8:00 p.m.

$30 per person

Kids Art Classes

Thursdays

3:30-5:30 p.m.

For 2nd-6th Grade Students

$15 per session

Looking for a unique gift? Our online shop offers a wide-range of items from Morse Code bracelets and wire wrapped necklaces, shadow boxes, flower garden stakes, glass snowflakes and t-shirts and hoodies to creative art kits to go for collages, creative journals, hand letting, multi-surface art, etc.

At the Creative Studio, we leverage art as a healing tool providing employment opportunities to program participants. In addition to our online shop and classes, we have a gift shop at the Studio and also space to host private parties.

Bloom is a faith-based non-profit organization with the mission of providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ women survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. As part of its mission, Bloom offers emergency response, a two-year residential program, pregnant survivor services and an independent living program in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Bloom follows the model and is a sister community of the remarkably successful Thistle Farms Nashville program. In addition, the Bloom Creative Studio, located in Bangor, Pa., is a social enterprise to leverage art as a healing tool and provide employment opportunities for survivors. Bloom also has a women’s upscale, resale boutique, My Sister’s Closet, based in Bethlehem, Pa., providing employment opportunities for survivors and financial support for the organization. 

610-866-5755

info@bloomforwomen.org

www.bloomforwomen.org