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March 21, 2024, LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Bloom for Women, an organization dedicated to providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ women survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, announced that it has received a grant from the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation to upgrade all the windows in its Heather House.
Heather House is one of Bloom’s five residential homes. The Heather House offers a two-year residential program for women survivors of sex trafficking, exploitation and addiction. It provides structure and support to heal, empower and employ women survivors through safe housing, trauma-informed programming, partnerships with treatment providers, vocational and educational training, and ongoing connections with a growing community of supporters that believe it’s never too late to start over. This program operates without 24-hour staff or live-in supervision and all services are offered to the women participants at no cost to them.
“We are so grateful for the generous support of the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation,” said Carol Andersen, CEO of Bloom for Women. “Operating and maintaining all five of our homes in the Lehigh Valley can be expensive. Receiving grants like this one are essential to ensure a safe, comfortable space for women and their children to heal and begin their journey towards a life of independence.”
“The Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation is honored to support Bloom in their mission to give victims of trafficking a safe and structured environment to start the next phase of their lives,” said Laura Bennett, Foundation Vice Chair & Trustee of the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation.
About the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation
Since 1952, the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation has provided grant support with a focus on enduring capital projects that will have significant community impact in the Bethlehem area. The Foundation has distributed $9 million in support to over 150 organizations.
About Bloom for Women
Bloom for Women, Inc. 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 and sexual exploitation. As part of its mission, Bloom offers emergency response, a two-year residential program, pregnant survivor services, 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 for survivors, community volunteer opportunities, and financial support for the organization.
Information provided to TVL by:
–ts Brand Elevation
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