Now may the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.

Romans 15:13

NEWS FROM BLOOM...

Giving the Gift of Hope

Tis the season! A season of joy, hope and love. A time of contemplation of what has been and what will be.

 

As we recall all the wonderful things that have happened in 2022, we are most thankful and grateful when we think of the generous support we received this year from the community. We have a growing, caring community who has joined the fight against trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. A community who believes that it is never too late to start over.

 

Elizabeth walked through our doors two years ago and describes Bloom as her last stop. She spent years using substances to numb the pain of her circumstances and knew that she was slowly dying; she was surrounded by some of the most dangerous people you could imagine; relying on shooting meth and heroin every day to dull the pain and trauma of her experience.

 

“Bloom for Women changed my life. The past two years has been a gift—it gave me time to heal, find my voice, and gain the confidence I needed to start over. I’ve accomplished so much over the past 24 months—my driving privileges are restored, I have a good job, the relationships with my family are healing, and so much more.”

 

“I graduated from Bloom in September and now have a sisterhood of support forever! God has shown me that there are good people in the world and for the first time in my life, I feel hopeful, joyous and free! Thank YOU for listening and for your support!”

 

Elizabeth’s story is a part of your story because you have invested in her future! We hope that you will continue your commitment to fight again sex trafficking. We cannot do this work without YOU. No matter the size of the gift, every donation counts and makes a difference. Your year-end support will help women survivors like Elizabeth continue to heal and build a new life beyond the violence of their past. 

 

Again, thank you for your support.

 

On behalf of the board of directors, staff and the women who call Bloom home, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

With gratitude,

 

Carol Andersen, CEO

DONATE TODAY

Welcome to our Newest Board Members

Dinoli Rowlands

VP, Regional Business Banking Relationship Manager, PNC


"I chose to serve on the board of Bloom as human trafficking is a huge issue that uses human beings as indentured servants "modern day slavery". Also, working with Bloom for Women brings this issue close to home, allows me to serve the community I live and work in."

Meloney Sallie-Dosunmu

CEO,

Precision Talent International


"What an honor and a privilege to be a part of an organization that is changing lives and making such an impact.

Bloom is changing the world, one precious life at a time."

Tiffany Sondergaard

Founder, PR & Event Planning Specialist, TS PR & Event Planning


"At --ts PR & Event Planning, we believe in aligning with organizations that help change lives and better our community. Bloom for Women is championing the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. I am proud to be able to assist Carol Andersen and her team to bring awareness to one of today's harsh realities."

Ernie Stiegler

VP of Client Engagement,

SWBR, Inc.


"Bloom is an unbelievable organization, dedicated to serving an incredibly important purpose. I chose to become a board member as I believe in the organization's mission and feel that I can provide support to Bloom in several ways. Greatly looking forward to further advocating for Bloom!"

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 just a few of our residents' most recent accomplishments: 

  • two ladies completed the Equilibrium equestrian therapy program
  • one resident celebrated 30 days in the program
  • three participants celebrated birthdays in November
  • three ladies celebrated one year at Bloom this month
  • four participants enrolled in local community college and are pursing their educational goals

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.
  • take care of small repairs in our homes (spackling/filling holes)


  • A van to transport our survivors to group activities
  • Car(s) for residents to drive to appointments, jobs, etc.
  • End tables
  • Boots for snowy weather
  • Winter coats/jackets/hoodies


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

EVENTS...

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: January 9, February 13, and so on.  


If you are interested in joining us for prayer, please email us.

CLICK FOR ZOOM LINK

STAFF SPOTLIGHT...

Tracy Hull


Tracy Hull brings to her role at Bloom as Residential House Coach many years of no-nonsense stick-to-it-iveness and well-honed coping skills, and serves as a beacon of light and hope to our resident survivors.

 

“I am very grateful for Bloom. I am a single mother with three children. I am a domestic abuse survivor, and I am eight years sober.”

 

Tracy first heard about us through her Pastor at HopeSprings Church. “I was invited for the Open House, where I learned about what Bloom is and its mission. I started learning more about Bloom when two people from my church worked at Bloom.”

READ MORE
HOW YOU CAN HELP...

JOIN the SUSTAINER CIRCLE today!

Make an Immediate Impact!

The Sustainer Circle is Bloom’s monthly giving program supporting critical resources to fund the work of providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ women survivors of sex trafficking.


Sustainer Circle member, Pamela Breeman, shares her "why": “I attended one of Bloom’s graduation ceremonies several years ago and was so impressed by survivor graduate, Jasmine. Her story truly touched my heart. I was also impressed with the work of Bloom for Women and the impact made in the lives of survivors and their families. As a woman who wants to make a difference, I give monthly because it helps Bloom to have a flow of income so they can make plans and help more people. It’s easy, and I can give more because it adds up over time. It’s an easy thing to do. I am reminded of a quote from Anne Frank, 'No one has ever become poor by giving.' I believe that when you give generously to others you are giving to yourself!"


The Sustainer Circle recurring monthly gift is an automated, monthly giving program where members support Bloom all year round and sustain the important work of our programs.


  • It’s convenient! No more checks to write or no monthly reminders to set! This saves you time and reduces printing and postage costs.
  • Has immediate impact! In 2021, monthly recurring donors contributed $65,000! We are grateful for this on-going support!
  • It's timeliness! You know your gifts will always be on time and will go to work immediately, changing survivors’ lives each and every day!
JOIN THE SUSTAINER CIRCLE
HAPPENING AROUND BLOOM...

My Sister's Closet

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!

In early December, we had a pop-up shop at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, We also hosted two private shopping events at the store with Covenant United Church and Guardian Life.

Holly Jolly Christmas Sale

December 19-24

Get 15% off. 

(Exclusions apply)

Holiday Hours

December 24 - Closing early at 3 p.m.

December 25 and 26 - closed

December 31 - closing early at 3 p.m.

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.

Donations:

We are in desperate need for fall and winter clothing!

Part-time Sales Associate Needed!


We are looking for a part-time sales associate who is comfortable using an iPad and laptop, who has closing availability and is willing to work weekends occasionally. Contact Rebekah Fritchman if interested!

We've Gone Bag Free!

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

Bloom Creative Studio

Love Bulbs  

Our annual fundraiser is here: Grow Love, Grow Beauty, Grow Recovery. The Love Bulb - Royal Dutch Amaryllis is a perfect gift this holiday season. For $29, this potted Amaryllis bulb comes in a 6x6" pot filled with soil, topped with moss - all ready to begin watering and blooms in weeks.


The Love Bulbs are grown in memory of a girl who loved to grow all things beautiful! Your purchase benefits women survivors of trafficking, trauma and addiction.

BUY NOW

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Our handcrafted items are made with love and purpose. Items include: jewelry, shadow boxes, holiday gifts, art kits to go, "Art Heals" apparel, etc. Your purchase empowers and heals.

SHOP ONLINE

About the Studio

The Bloom Creative Studio is a social enterprise leveraging art as a healing tool and providing employment opportunities to program participants. The Studio has a gift shop, DIY crafts, pottery and glass fusion, as well as provides a meeting place with family and children as well as recreation.

LEARN MORE
MISCELLANEOUS...
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.
AMAZON WISH LIST

Do you frequently shop on Amazon? Why not make a difference with each of your purchases? Simply choose "Bloom for Women, Inc." as your organization of choice on Amazon Smile and a portion of all purchases will be donated to Bloom.

AMAZON SMILE
ABOUT BLOOM

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. As part of its mission, Bloom offers emergency response, a two-year residential program, 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. 


Bloom

1425 Mountain Drive North

Bethlehem, PA 18015

610-866-5755

info@bloomforwomen.org


www.bloomforwomen.org

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin