BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Since 2021, Bloom for Women has empowered survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.<\/p>\n
“We work with a population that really has limited support systems here and we’re one of the only providers of a two-year cost-free housing and starting over opportunity,” said Carol Andersen, Bloom for Women CEO.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the nonprofit held its 4th annual freedom benefit dinner at Lehigh University with a goal of raising $150,000.<\/p>\n
“100% of tonight’s proceeds are going into really creating new opportunities for women who deserve a chance to start over,” Andersen stated.<\/p>\n
Becca Stevens served as the night’s keynote speaker. Stevens started Nashville-based Thistle Farms.<\/p>\n
“What we’re doing is giving people a fighting chance. The thistle network is the largest in the United States for human trafficking survivors for long-term free beds. There are over 800 beds, 80 communities. What Carol and Bloom are doing is just amazing here in Pennsylvania,” Stevens told 69 News.<\/p>\n
“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions still. That you’re just driving down the road and you get taken by a van or something. Instead, all these childhood traumas that play into how women are so vulnerable and all of the systematic stuff that happens to people,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
According to Andersen, Pennsylvania ranks between 9th and 11th in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking.<\/p>\n
“We know it’s happening here, and we want to disrupt it in the Lehigh Valley and give women an opportunity to be free and choose a bright and beautiful future,” Andersen concluded.<\/p>\n
\nCopyright 2026 Maranatha Broadcasting Co., Inc.. All Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
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