Freedom a la Cart empowers survivors of human trafficking to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency. We believe that giving a woman practical job skills and developing a strong work ethic is vital for creating a pathway to freedom. So, we’ve created a safe place of restoration where survivors can heal, learn and grow as they prepare for sustainable employment and reintegrate into our community.
OUR PROGRAMS
Through our four primary areas of service: 1) CATCH Court restorative justice support; 2) a robust Workforce Development Program, 3) our Butterfly Program for long-term stability, and 4) our new Housing Program which connects survivors with safe, supportive housing, Freedom a la Cart expects to serve approximately 400 survivors of human trafficking this year.
CATCH COURT SUPPORT
CATCH Court is a specialized docket of Franklin County Municipal Court. It’s a two-year treatment-oriented non-adversarial program for individuals within the criminal justice system who are victims of human trafficking and suffer from severe, complex trauma and drug addiction. CATCH exists to break the cycle of abuse for victims of human trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation by providing resources, accountability and connection to communities like Freedom a la Cart.
In partnership with CATCH Court, Freedom a la Cart provides participants with supportive services, weekly meals before court, items of need, monthly outings and personal mentorship. Women in the community serve as personal life mentors to CATCH participants in order to provide friendship, model healthy relationships and develop a viable network of support. Freedom mentors, staff and volunteers practice an unwavering commitment to survivors through deliberate and resilient outreach, impactful services, social activities and intentional connection.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
We believe that women who’ve been exploited through the commercial sex industry should be empowered to gain freedom through personal and economic independence. So Freedom developed a café + bakery + catering social enterprise to offer survivors comprehensive workforce + life skills training within a safe environment that understands the complex trauma they have endured and supports their continual journey of restoration. Our holistic workforce development program includes paid employment along with supportive services like: resource (case) management; job coaching; time management; conflict resolution; giving + receiving feedback; trauma counseling; savings incentives; educational tutors; financial literacy and job searching. By addressing this link between impact services, community, and employment, survivors are able to build a life of independence. Our goal is to prepare survivors for personal and economic stability, train them for jobs in the community and link them directly with employers. 123 E Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215 | freedomalacart.org | info@freedomalacart.org | 614.992.3252 Interested in being a mentor to a participant in our Workforce Development Program? Learn more here!
BUTTERFLY PROGRAM
Given the impact of the repeated and intrusive trauma experienced by human trafficking victims, the road to independence and stability is long and challenging. It is not surprising that after short-term treatment some survivors continue to experience difficulties maintaining sobriety, obtaining and holding down a job, paying bills, and reintegrating back into society. Freedom’s Butterfly Program fills a gap for survivors in recovery by offering a community of long-term support with resources and tools to advance their lives of stability and independence.
The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer initiative. A growing body of research is showing numerous community benefits of peer-based support including: significant healthcare savings; improved social functioning; improved family relationships; improved quality of life; increased employment; reduced substance use; reduced depression and demoralization; and improved chance for long-term recovery.
HOUSING
Individuals who have experienced human trafficking need access to affordable, independent housing as they transition from recovery programming or sober living facilities. Safe, supportive housing helps survivors avoid re-victimization as they reintegrate into the community. Supportive housing opportunities provide survivors the ability to continue their healing through ongoing social, emotional, and therapeutic support with more freedom and autonomy than in previous stages of the continuum of care, all while pursuing their educational and/or vocational goals. Through this Freedom housing community partnership, our goal is for tenants to maintain housing stability and increase personal self-sufficiency.
VOLUNTEER WITH FREEDOM A LA CART
There are many opportunities to get involved at Freedom a la Cart, including working in the kitchen, becoming a mentor, and helping with special events. To get started with volunteering, please fill out our volunteer interest form. To coordinate a volunteer opportunity for a group, please fill out our group volunteer form. Please reach out to volunteer@freedomalacart.org for more information.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
You can make a difference in the life of a survivor. Your generous support ensures Freedom a la Cart can
continue to provide support, job training and free wraparound services to over 400 survivors of human
trafficking each year. We couldn’t provide opportunities to vulnerable women without the generosity of people like you. Every gift or purchase made to Freedom a la Cart provides hope for someone seeking a second (third, fourth, or fifth) chance.
- Park at one of the Change for Charity parking meters at Easton and paying an Easton parking ticket
- Dine with us at our café at 123 E Spring St
- Order Freedom a la Cart catering for your next meeting or event
- Donate by completing this form
- Mail a check to: Freedom a la Cart, 123 E Spring Street, Columbus OH 43215
- Give through your Schwab, Fidelity, or BNY Mellon Donor Advised Fund through DAF Direct here.
(Donations are tax deductible. Freedom a la Cart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization #26-3114093)
123 E Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215 | freedomalacart.org | info@freedomalacart.org | 614.992.3252
