NASHVILLE, TN – Thistle Farms, Nashville's pioneering nonprofit and justice enterprise for women survivors of human trafficking and prostitution, announces the launch of its Light the Way campaign this holiday season, bolstered by a million-dollar match to sustain and expand the critical support services it provides.
Thistle Farms leads the largest network of long-term free beds for survivors of trafficking and a multi-million-dollar justice enterprise, providing training and employment for women in communities all over the world.
"This extraordinary gift from the generous, anonymous donor behind the one-million-dollar-match invites our community to rally around a vision we have held close for 30 years: that love is the most powerful force for change in the world,” said Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms. “The Light the Way campaign supports our commitment to House, Heal, Employ, and Respond to survivors’ needs in ways that truly matter. By providing the tools and safety for a woman to go from surviving to thriving, we can light the way for those still searching for a way home.”
From now until December 31, every donation made to Thistle Farms will be doubled up to $1M, maximizing the impact of each contribution. Funds raised provide essential housing, trauma-informed healthcare, job training, and meaningful employment opportunities necessary for survivors to break the cycles of exploitation.
“It is our common story of brokenness and mission that intertwines us,” said Becca Stevens, Founder and President of Thistle Farms. "We have worked the harsh streets in rural and urban communities across the world where abuse, power, and economic exploitation have destroyed women, stripping them of their livelihood and dignity. The work of Thistle Farms weaves together a global network that demonstrates how investing in women heals communities.”
Thistle Farms will host a special GivingTuesday event on December 3 at The Café at Thistle Farms, located on Charlotte Ave in West Nashville. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the organization aims to raise $100,000 that day, with all donations doubled thanks to the dollar-for-dollar match.
At Thistle Farms, it costs approximately $62,000 to support one woman’s journey through the organization’s two-year residential program, covering everything from housing and daily needs to comprehensive healthcare and trauma-care support. The Light the Way campaign comes at an especially meaningful time, as Thistle Farms is set to celebrate 13 women graduating from the Residential Program this spring.
By joining Thistle Farms this season, donors can support women survivors as they work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of trauma and exploitation. Visit thistlefarms.org to contribute to the Light the Way campaign and make a lasting impact.
ABOUT THISTLE FARMS
A Nashville-based, international justice enterprise, Thistle Farms has been on a mission since 1997 to change the way people see, understand, and support systems that exploit women - including addiction, incarceration, poverty, and trafficking. Thistle Farms does this by ensuring access to safe and supportive housing, meaningful employment, and a lifelong community of support. For more information, visit thistlefarms.org.
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