BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new partnership between two local non-profits aims to help survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.
“My sister’s closet manger is here, my resident’s manager is there,” said Ashley Caravello.
The 36-year-old has her own office too.
“It’s super messy,” she said.
Caravello is the Director of Finance and Administration at Bloom for Women.
“I love spreadsheets, I love numbers,” she said.
“You’re one of those brains?” asked 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow.
“I am one of those brains I love statistics,” she said.
Caravello could have been a statistic, instead the sex exploitation survivor is an 8-year employee of Bloom, cultivating a career.
“My confidence has gone up, my stability, independence,” she said.
Now, Bloom is opening up similar chances, partnering with The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, offering training and jobs for survivors to staff the phones at Pennsylvania’s 2-1-1 Call Center, a free help line for a number of human services.
Carol Andersen of Bloom and Erin Connelly of United Way say it’s a first-of-its-kind partnership for the state.
“There was often a call to say can we have more locally based staff to answer the calls that really understand geography the resources we available.” Connelly said.
Three women are in training, set to take calls in November.
“Presenting an opportunity to someone with sometimes limited work history, in job that crosses sectors and can put them on a path for economic mobility.” Andersen said.
“Today I’m working on our 2026 budget and September finance reports.” Caravello said.
For Caravello, it’s a clear career goal, she hopes will bloom.
“Five years ago, we were recorded and I said I wanted to be the CEO of Bloom, and that’s where I’m headed,” she said.