At Bliss on Broadway, we are so proud to sell PURPOSE Jewelry and support an organization like International Sanctuary. Young women who’ve escaped human trafficking handcraft all PURPOSE pieces with love. According to the latest data (June 2024), there are 28 million victims of human trafficking globally.
A full 100% of PURPOSE proceeds go to their non-profit, International Sanctuary, who provides each of their artisans with fair wages, education & holistic care. International Sanctuary was founded in 2007 to empower girls and women escaping human trafficking. The nonprofit organization has grown to five locations globally (India, Uganda, Mexico, the United States, and will be opening in the Philippines this year). Each Sanctuary provides young women and girls escaping human trafficking the tools they need to rebuild their lives. They offer income, health, education and community, filling the gap between rescue and restoration.
Co-Founders, Stephanie Pollaro and Wendy Dailey, both saw first hand the atrocities of human trafficking and asked, “What can we do?” What was needed was a safe and loving workplace where girls could earn a living and gain skills to build their futures. Stephanie moved to Mumbai, India, teaching the art of jewelry making directly to survivors, while Wendy, based in Orange County, California, began educating communities about human trafficking, selling the handcrafted jewelry, and growing the non-profit. There was a gap between rescue and true freedom that International Sanctuary began to fill. The model worked and the supporter base grew as new anti-trafficking partners around the world articulated the need for jobs for girls and women.
Through a safe, loving workplace community, girls and women escaping human trafficking gain economic freedom, access to education, quality healthcare, and a place to belong. All program activities and outcome goals are planned according to four pillars of personal and economic development: Income, Education, Health Care, and Community. When survivors enter the work environment they are treated with dignity and respect. They receive regular paychecks, open a personal bank account and are taught to save for their future.
Girls and women, regardless of age or ability, are provided access to education. Subjects include reading, math, computer skills, language, life skills and personal finance. An online tutoring program, eTutions, allows our US based volunteers to tutor our international participants and connect to build their English literacy.
International Sanctuary provides access to ongoing healthcare for girls and women, as well as mental health care, counseling, life training skills and one-on-one mentoring.
At International Sanctuary, the workplace is a community, and engagement in the community is crucial to achieving the mission. Each Sanctuary, standing in partnership with like-minded organizations, provides a trauma-informed community where participants can begin to foster relationships, build trust and safely grow.
The art of craftsmanship through their social enterprise, PURPOSE, paired with holistic care through our program ensures that every woman gains hope, dignity and freedom for the future. Survivors create beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, as well as support the design, manufacturing, supply chain and distribution efforts.
Economic empowerment is only the beginning. In their workplace communities, survivors form trusting, long-term relationships. Girls and women are able to grow in confidence and independence, achieving International Sanctuary’s model of becoming stronger, wiser women’. Girls and women escaping human trafficking are empowered to embrace their true identity and worth.
Come in and check out the unique and beautiful selection of PURPOSE Jewelry. Or give us a call and we can have something packaged up for you and ready to go.
Bliss on Broadway is pleased to offer a lovely selection of thoughtfully chosen items perfect for a gift or a little something for you. Of course, we also offer a full range of massage and skin care services. Call us at 562-439-4333 or visit www.blissonbroadway.com.