Mission Statement
Breaking Free empowers survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution to build new lives through safe housing, direct services, effective healing programs, survivor advocacy, worldwide policy change, and hope.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2022, 267 women and children found safety and advocacy at Breaking Free's drop-in center in Ramsey county, Minnesota. $241,029 of emergency client assistance was provided on behalf of individuals who experienced commercial sexual exploitation. We offered weekly in-house educational support groups, called Sisters of Survival, that examines sex trafficking as a slave-based system, assesses the impact it has had on their lives, and covers issues related to addiction and recovery. These groups provide information about the dynamics of sex trafficking and other forms of violence against women and girls and offer a space for women to share their experiences. Ten women graduated this program in 2022. Safe and stable housing is the number one barrier for people seeking to exit the life of commercial sexual exploitation and/or prostitution. Breaking Free currently houses 71 individuals, 32 of which are children. Breaking Free assisted 78 families in obtaining safe, stable housing at our village place apartments in 2022. Breaking Free currently participates in two different anti-trafficking street outreach initiatives. In Minneapolis alone, the upside outreach partners reached 1,547 individuals through outreach, providing hundreds of personal care items, bus passes, resources, and referrals. To develop relationships with clients on the streets, our outreach team distributes basic needs and hygiene supplies, as well as basic food resources. The goal of our outreach services is to connect vulnerable individuals who are primarily out on the streets with access to resources, stabilization services, and housing.
Current Goals
Breaking Free has set forth ambitious programmatic goals to enhance its impact on combating this pervasive issue. First and foremost, the organization aims to expand its advocacy services by implementing a mobile outreach initiative, recognizing the need for targeted support in diverse communities. This initiative will enable Breaking Free to reach vulnerable populations more effectively, providing crucial resources and assistance where it is most needed. Additionally, the organization is committed to streamlining its programmatic functions by consolidating its operations under one roof, fostering greater collaboration and efficiency among its various initiatives. This centralization strategy is designed to optimize resource allocation and ensure a unified approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by sex trafficking. Furthermore, recognizing the evolving nature of the issue, Breaking Free is dedicated to updating the course curriculum for its Sisters of Survival (SOS) programming. By staying current with the latest research and best practices, the organization aims to equip survivors with the most relevant and empowering tools for their recovery journey. Through these strategic goals, the nonprofit aspires to make a lasting impact in the fight against sex trafficking, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for those affected.
Community or Constituency Served
The primary population served are females in the age range of 18-63 years, predominantly women of color and low socioeconomic status.
Geographic Area Served
Ramsey, Hennepin, Anoka, Washington and Dakota counties primarily
