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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
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As with many of you, we are in a busy celebration season! And the most recent celebrations at Bloom were extra special for us all! Rebekah, who graduated from Northampton County College also celebrated three years sober. Staff and program participants were part of her sobriety milestone celebration to show support as she shared her story of getting clean and finding freedom at Bloom. Rebekah's parents surprised her at her graduation celebration Friday evening and her mom thanked me for the work of Bloom - "you have given me my daughter back and I am so grateful!"
We also celebrated a former Bloom participant who is having a baby. Everyone at Bloom worked together to plan a very special baby shower for this precious little girl who will be born at the end of summer. We are so excited and love celebrating our survivors as they rebuild their lives.
A "justice" milestone also occurred this past month in Allentown's federal courthouse where a jury found four men guilty of trafficking and other crimes. Several staff and I observed testimony throughout this five-week trial. Our newly formed Anti-human Trafficking Task Force in Lehigh County was instrumental in bringing this case to trial. Here is a link to the story.
The work we do can be very difficult, so being able to celebrate milestones like these keeps us going every day knowing we are helping women on their journey to freedom.
Sincerely,
Carol Andersen
Bloom CEO
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We're Hiring: Social Worker | |
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We are looking for a part-time MSW and/or LSW who is invested in the fight against human trafficking to provide cognitive behavioral therapy groups, individual counseling and develop personal empowerment plans for survivors. If interested, contact Lorna Clause.
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It takes a lot of resources to operate our four homes and ensure we are providing our survivors with what they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Currently, we are in need of:
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Volunteer(s) to take care of small repairs in our homes.
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A van to transport our survivors to group activities.
Call our office at 610-866-5755 or email us if you may be able to help.
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Our Events Committee is an active, energetic group of individuals planning awareness and fundraising events throughout the year for Bloom. If you are interested in helping on this committee, please contact our Director of Development, Vickie Nisbet.
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The sessions take place on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m. the second Monday evening of the month: Apr 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, and so on.
If you would like to be added to the list to receive monthly reminders, please email us.
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Caring, compassionate, kind, dedicated, are all words to describe Bloom board member, Autumn Reif. Back in 2016, she had expressed interest to a friend in doing some good in her community and was invited to join the Truth for Women (now Bloom) board of directors. Autumn was already doing good in her community…she is a Registered Nurse working tirelessly for St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem.
Six years later, Autumn is the secretary on the Bloom board and brings an invaluable healthcare/nursing perspective to the table at meetings.
“Being a part of Bloom has certainly opened my eyes to sex trafficking and some of the horrors that happen in the very city I love so much, but it has also showed me how much good there is to do in the world,” Autumn shared.
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Would you consider becoming a monthly donor? Whether you give $10 per month or $50 per month please know that you are making a difference! Bloom's work, and the hope of the women we serve, is heavily dependent on the financial contributions of the community, foundations and sponsors. Visit our website today, by clicking the button below, for more information and secure online giving. | |
HAPPENING AROUND BLOOM... | |
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$2 Rummage Sale
Happening Now!
While supplies last.
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First Day of
Summer Sale
June 21 - 25
Entire store is 15% off!
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Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers
to help out at the store on Saturdays.
Contact Rebekah Fritchman if interested!
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Our Location
3650 Nazareth Pike, Suite 13
Bethlehem, PA 18020
(located in the Bethlehem Village Shoppes)
Hours:
Sunday – Closed
Monday - Friday - 10am - 6pm
Saturday – 11am – 5pm
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Shop with Us!
Our Creative Studio is full of products handcrafted with love by many of our residents and also by some volunteers. Products include:
Recaptured Creativity Jewelry Line
"Bloom Sister" Shadow Boxes
Ginny's Furniture (hand painted)
Canvas Paintings
Knitted Prayer Shawls, Blankets,
Baby Caps, Dish Towels, etc.
And more!
You can now also shop online at:
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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. | |  |
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. | | |
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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
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