Newsletter - June 2017

Benefit for Freedom House
BENEFIT FOR FREEDOM HOUSE
Great American Music Hall on July 6    
San Francisco's iconic music venue will be the place to be on Thursday evening, July 6, for the "Benefit for Freedom House," an uplifting, talent-packed songwriters' showcase. Join us at Great American Music Hall, located at 859 O'Farrell Street, for a lively and empowering night of original blues, vintage R&B, and roots music, featuring award-winning recording artists Karen Lovely, Lisa Mann, The Lucky Losers, and Ben Rice. 

Accompanied by a dynamic six-piece ensemble, veteran Bay Area artists Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz perform as The Lucky Losers, breathing new life into American songwriting tradition and the vanishing art of duet singing. Earlier this year, Cathy heard about Freedom House and quickly contacted her fellow musicians to share what she learned about human trafficking. Cathy graciously is producing the fundraiser to build awareness, while concert-goers enjoy some of the finest music on the blues scene today.

The evening also will highlight exciting silent and live charity auctions, with autographed music memorabilia, dining experiences, tickets, lifestyle activities and more. All profits from the auctions and a percentage of ticket sales will go directly to Freedom House. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the performance beginning at 8:00 p.m. General admission and dinner tickets are now available. For information and to purchase tickets through EventBrite, visit https://www.theluckylosers.com 

Stand for Freedom
THE FREEDOM PROJECT AT SCU  
Congratulations to members of The Freedom Project, a student-run anti-human-trafficking club at Santa Clara University, which successfully organized the "Stand for Freedom" demonstration. During the awareness-building event, students stood as a community near the campus library for 27 hours to represent the 27 million men, women and children currently trapped in slavery. These dedicated students used their voices to help those who are silenced around the world. Through the sale of baked goods, money was raised to make Boxes of Sunshine (care kits) for survivors at Freedom House.

Before Our Very Eyes
SAN MATEO COUNTY AWARENESS EVENTS 
During the San Mateo County Fair, running through June 18, Before Our Very Eyes is hosting several opportunities for citizens to learn more about human trafficking. Visit the Modern-Day Slavery Art Exhibit in Expo Hall, highlighting local leaders who directly aid survivors. Freedom House Founder and Executive Director Jaida Im is among those who are featured through dramatic photos and thought-provoking quotes.
 
On Friday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m., enjoy live performances of stirring songs, poetry and dance, inspired by survivors, at Art for Justice in Expo Hall. The Nueva School Bay Meadows Campus, located adjacent to the fairgrounds, will be the site of a public forum about human trafficking, set for June 17 at 1:00 p.m. State Senator Jerry Hill, County Supervisor Carole Groom and Maureen Freschet, San Mateo City Councilmember, are among the speakers who are presenting information at the free public event. If you have a moment, stop by the Freedom House information table and meet some of our advocate volunteers! For event details, please visit http://www.beforeourveryeyes.org  

Volunteer Laurie Brennan
SHELTER VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT       
Laurie Brennan
Laurie Brennan moved to the Bay Area 30 years ago. She and her husband have three children. For the past 10 years, Laurie and her daughter have been volunteering with the National Charity League (NCL). Together, they have helped children and families in the South Bay by providing meals, organizing holiday events, planning monthly birthday celebrations, and much more. Through NCL, Laurie attended a meeting where she listened to an advocate for Freedom House. Upon doing some research, she realized that the Silicon Valley is one of the areas where modern-day slavery is occurring at an increasing rate. Her passion to help others and make a difference led her to become a Shelter Volunteer last October, and she has spent much of her time driving program participants at The Monarch to appointments. This summer, Laurie is looking forward to engaging with them in some outdoor activities. She feels inspired by the survivors, and says she is committed to supporting these strong and amazing women as they learn to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. 
About Freedom House:
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Freedom House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization (Tax ID #27-0248325), with a mission to bring hope, restoration and a new life to survivors of human trafficking by providing transitional housing and direct services. In August 2010, Freedom House launched The Monarch, the first safe home and long-term aftercare program of its kind in Northern California for adult female survivors of human trafficking. Through its pioneering aftercare model, Freedom House is breaking the cycle of exploitation and creating new futures for human-trafficking survivors. For information about Freedom House, please visit www.FreedomHouseSF.org.