Thistle Farms 2019 Conference, "Been There, Healing That."

Nashville was the location of our 2019 National Conference, "Been There, Healing That." It brought together over 200 ardent Thistle Farmers dedicated to creating healing communities for survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. 

Speakers included Thistle Farms founder, Becca Stevens, best selling author David Hutchens, Rev Dr Alika Galloway, founder of Cherished High Desert, Kate Wedell, and U.S. Ambassador for Trafficking in Persons and U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, John Cotton Richmond.

Together, everyone in attendance added to the narrative of hope for people who have survived trauma. Becca: "I learned that together we are raising more money than I knew, that we have tons of energy and potential, and that there are powerful survivor leaders leading the way. My take away is to start planning for a new conference in 18 months, to work on a collaborative grant, and that we make a great dance troupe! I’m so grateful to everyone for sharing their wisdom and courageous hearts."

Musical guests, Amy Grant, Lori McKenna, Suzy Bogguss, Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters, Levi Hummon, and Marcus Hummon kept everyone on their feet, providing the soundtrack of this meaningful time together in community.

As Thistle Farmers, we support the healing and care of survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction through community. In our various cities, we work to bring the next woman off the streets. This work requires of us that we come together to be informed, prepared, and ready to put into action our shared belief that love heals. 

And speaking of that dance troupe... 

#LoveHeals