A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO... | |
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Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that plagues societies globally, nationally, and disturbingly, happens here in the bustling cities, charming small towns, and beautiful countryside of the Lehigh Valley.
This injustice exploits vulnerable individuals and perpetuates cycles of abuse and trauma. Its practices thrive in the shadow of societal indifference and systemic neglect. However, disrupting this injustice is a daunting task. This is the work of Bloom, our community partners, and dedicated law enforcement. Our collaborative efforts work towards eliminating barriers to freedom and provide justice and healing for victims.
Doing this work for the past decade has taught me to never underestimate the resilience of the human spirit – I have seen incredible and remarkable strength and hope rise from the most traumatic experiences, such as a survivor who, against all odds rebuilt her life and is now helping others do the same. Beautiful stories are being written and precious lives are being restored because our community is committed to providing sanctuary and support for survivors.
Economic empowerment is a powerful tool in preventing exploitation and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives. Bloom’s two social enterprises, My Sister’s Closet in Bethlehem Township and Bloom Creative Studio in downtown Bangor, provide five part-time jobs for program participants.
Your patronage at Bloom’s social enterprises creates a pathway to sustainable livelihoods for women survivors – an essential component to everyone’s starting over story, If you haven’t visited one of our businesses yet, please consider doing so and supporting a survivor’s journey to freedom!
Thank you for your ongoing generosity and gifts of time and talent – each and every one makes a difference and helps to create a Lehigh Valley where exploitation has no place, and every person is valued and respected.
With gratitude,
Carol
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B.R.A.C.E. (Be Ready, Alert, Courageous, and Educated), an eight-part, interactive community education program for youth and young adults aged 5-21, had their first end-of-cycle celebration on June 4. The children were celebrated for their hard work and dedication. They received certificates, had a pizza party and received gift bags with prizes and other goodies. Parents were acknowledged for their dedication and support of all the children in the program. We would like to thank all of our partners from the Loads of Blessings Ministry at Family Wash Day Laundry in Allentown, who sponsored t-shirts and pizza for the children. We would also like to thank Mr. Carlos from Recovery Church who brought the children snacks and other surprises weekly.
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What's Happening
in Our Homes
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Bloom has had so many great achievements these past few months. Participants in the program were able to pay off court fines this month, allowing more opportunities for employment. A participant was also able to purchase her own vehicle. Another participant received her permit, and is working towards her drivers license. We would like to also congratulate one participant who received a promotion within Bloom. Congratulations to all participants for your hard work!
We’d also like to thank Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Week for hosting a survivor retreat. Participants of Bloom, Valley Youth House, Sage, Wings, and VAST were able to participate as a community in hiking, art and crafts, and other outdoor activities.
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Current Needs
in Our Homes
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It takes a lot of resources to operate our 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:
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Used car for participants
- Gift cards for groceries and necessities
- Gift cards for Uber or Lyft
Visit our Amazon Wish List for an on-going list of items we need to take care of the women and babies in our homes.
Call our office at 610-866-5755 or email us if you may be able to help.
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"All Things Bloom" Podcast Coming Soon
Exciting news! This summer we will be launching our own podcast called "All Things Bloom". This monthly podcast serves as a beacon of hope, shedding light on human trafficking in our community and inspiring action towards meaningful change. In addition to real conversations about trafficking, we will share survivor stories, discuss different aspects of the recovery path for trafficking survivors, talk about working and volunteering at Bloom, and so much more. We will have guests on the show that will join our team to share their expertise with us.
Information on sponsorship opportunities is coming soon. If you are interested in information, please contact us at info@bloomforwomen.org.
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Register today! This FREE event will include presentations from Bloom, Homeland Security, Survivors and a Pastoral Panel Discussion. | |
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October 2, 2024
Freedom Benefit Dinner
Hotel Bethlehem
Speaker: Shea Rhodes, Esq.,
Director & Co-founder, Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University's Charles Widger School of Law
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October 27, 2024
Bloom for Women Celebration
6:00-7:00 p.m.
New Covenant
Christian Community Church,
Bethlehem
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November 2-8, 2024
Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking
Awareness Week
Numerous Events
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December 2024
DIY Holiday
Centerpiece Workshop
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Regular Monthly Prayer Meetings
Alert: New Time
The sessions will now take place on Zoom from
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. the second Monday of the month:
July 8, August 12, September 9 and so on.
If you are interested in joining us for prayer,
please email us.
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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
~Isaiah 41:10
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Become an Annual Sponsor like Highmark Blue Shield | |
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We realize that there are so many important causes that need help and are grateful for companies like Highmark Blue Shield for continuing to choose Bloom as one of the non-profits they champion! Highmark Blue Shield is a Bloom Annual Sponsor at the Community Partner level providing support for our mission throughout the year.
Highmark Blue Shield serves approximately 1.1 million members through the company’s health care benefits business and hundreds of thousands of additional individuals through the BlueCard® program. Highmark Blue Shield employs approximately 3,500 people in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, serving as a key economic driver in the region. Highmark Blue Shield’s total economic impact throughout central Pennsylvania is more than $1.2 billion.
"Our work is tied to a larger social mission to create a remarkable health experience, freeing people to be their best," explains Jane Brooks, Community Affairs Regional Manager for Highmark Blue Cross. "That same mission guides our organizational giving. Our charitable giving program includes the work of the Blue-branded affiliate—Highmark Blue Shield’s Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program. We also have a long history of supporting our United Way campaigns across our region that raise millions of dollars each year. The same spirit of giving drives the time and effort our employees dedicate to volunteering."
"As a health care company, Highmark recognizes human trafficking and exploitation as a serious public health issue and can be a burden on the healthcare system, particularly our emergency room departments," Brooks explains. "In addition, trafficked victims present a host of physical signs of long-term trauma, physical or sexual abuse, malnourishment, substance use, and poor hygiene. By supporting organizations like Bloom for Women, we know that we are helping victims work toward healing and having a healthy, independent life."
To learn more about Bloom's Annual Sponsorship opportunities, click the button below.
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HAPPENING AROUND BLOOM... | |
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VIP Shopper Club
Join our VIP Shopper Club and take advantage of special perks from coupons, invites to private shopping events to first looks at new items and exclusive sales! Click here to learn more.
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VIP Only Sale:
June 17-22
15% off all full price jewelry
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For All Customers:
June 20
First Day of Summer Sale!
15% of all full-price tops.
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Kelly the Hair Fairy is Back!
June 25 from 1-6 p.m.
@My Sister's Closet
Get your sparkle on!
You will be able to make your appointment shortly by clicking here. Keep checking her scheduling page.
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Sales Associate Needed
Looking for a sales associate to help cover vacations over the summer. We need someone with full availability and willing to work weekends. Contact Rebekah Fritchman if interested.
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We are now accepting spring and summer clothing! We are especially looking for purses!
Please check our website for details on what we will and will not accept.
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If you hear a voice within you say "You are not creative" then be creative and that voice will silence!
Bloom Creative Studio is that place to get creative! There is a wide variety of projects to choose from so drop in and start your creative process. We offer classes, but we also have Open Studio, meaning, when you have a few free hours come in and create and guidance is provided.
Thank you to the individuals who donate art supplies whether it is paints, buttons, old jewelry, glitter, glue....We like to see what comes in and how we can use the supplies in the creating process. Think of us if you are downsizing your crafting supplies at your house.
Anyone interested in learning to use the pottery wheel, we offer classes for all ages. Call the studio at 610-588-4775 to set up a class or classes.
Put Bloom Creative Studio on your bucket list for this summer.
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As we welcome new survivors into our homes on a regular basis and are in constant need of restocking essential items for them, we have created an Amazon Wish List. The online list makes it easy for you to pick out items that our survivors need while staying in our homes and have them sent directly to Bloom. All donations are greatly appreciated. We ask that when you make a donation to please include your name in a gift message so that we can properly thank you for your donations. | | |
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, community volunteer opportunities, and financial support for the organization. | |
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Bloom Headquarters
1425 Mountain Drive North
Bethlehem, PA 18015
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Bloom Lehigh County Program Office
532 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(By Appointment Only)
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