Calling all businesses…
One of our favorite things about FTG has always been how everyone can be involved. This was especially showcased through our Drop-off program - hundreds of businesses and corporations, organizations and offices that were committed to collecting bras in their communities throughout the year and mailing us thousands of bras each month.
These businesses ranged from lingerie boutiques to physician’s offices, from burlesque troupes to church groups, small local shops to global brands, restaurants to corporate offices. While the mission and purpose of each of these businesses was different, the two things they had in common were 1) dedication to help human trafficking survivors around the globe step into true freedom and 2) a community they could count on.
This month, we created individual impact reports for each store - and it was humbling to see the time and resources these Drop-offs have invested over the years and the impact that their customers, staff, and clients made with their bra donations. Just because we’ve moved on from our Bra Collection Initiative, that does NOT mean that these places, so vital to our mission for all these years, no longer have a part to play.
Introducing The Empowerment Collective, a new FTG initiative for businesses, clubs, churches, groups, etc. who are dedicated to the vision of reintegration and global justice. By pledging monthly or quarterly, these funds demonstrate the understanding that true freedom is a long road and they are in it, and that they believe it’s worth investing in.
Our previous drop-offs were given the first invitation, but we want to open this up to all who would be interested. Your financial donations are tax-exempt and make for a great conversation starter with your customers, clients, and staff about your commitment to global justice. It’s a great way to invite your community to become involved in a really unique way. You’ll get exclusive email updates and content, invitations to join with other Empowerment Co businesses, and the opportunity to have FTG host trainings or webinars for your staff, employees, even customers or clients around human trafficking, trauma and being a healing-centered workplace, and even how to become a Freedom Business yourself!
This idea sparked from one of our very own staff members - who also happens to be a businessman, owning and running his very own taproom in Chesterton, Indiana. His business served as a drop-off location from the beginning and is now our first member of The Empowerment Co! If you have any questions, please email joe@freethegirls.org - he’d love to tell you all about it - and maybe even brainstorm some unique ways for your company to become involved!
We are looking forward to continuing to engage with companies, groups, churches, and businesses in this new, exciting chapter of FTG.