It lights the way for physical, mental, and economic freedom for women who have survived childhood trauma, unjust systems, the commodifying of their worth, and believing their past defines their future.
Residential Program
Our two-year program provides women survivors a safe place to live, food and clothing, healthcare, counseling, therapeutic groups, and job training -- all at no cost to the participant.
10,000+
Nights of safe, supportive housing.
1,633
Medical & mental health appointments.
74,800
Hours of employment for women survivors.
sisters for life
Lighting the way for our next sister
When a woman completes our two-year program, she becomes a Sister for Life - and then reaches back to light the way for the next woman. The power of sisterhood has connected each woman: Beginning with our founder - all the way to one of our 2021 graduates.
Becca
Thistle Farms Founder and President
"Regina, one of the first program graduates, showed me how it is possible for us to take up our crosses and follow love."
- Becca
Regina
Member of Our First Graduating Class in 1999
"Being trafficked, I lost everything, including myself. Becca was my lifeline. She believed in me."
- Regina
Ericka
2003 Thistle Farms Graduate
"I didn't think there was redemption for my life, but Regina changed my mind when she visited the jail and told me her story. She was my hope shot. She's the reason why I never went back."
- Ericka
Sheila
2007 Graduate and Director of Residential Services
"In the past, I used with Leigh. Once I completed the recovery program, I told her about it. I knew she could be the hero of her own story."
- Sheila
Leigh
2021 Graduate and Logistics Team Lead
"When I hit rock bottom, I called Sheila. Watching her gave me hope. She told me, 'Always dream.'"
- Leigh
love on so many levels
2021 graduation
Regina, one of our very first graduates, stands tall at the podium, kicking off the ceremony.
She is a light. She came before them and she knows their journey.
Behind each of the graduates sits a mentor, ready to present the certificate of completion. They represent love that shows up. Over and over again.
Current program participants line the front row, holding handmade signs. Their sister's stories give them hope and light their way. One day, they will be graduates too.
The Tennessee State Capitol bears peaceful witness that women survivors feel freedom and stand tall like a field of thistles.
Their strength and resilience is beautiful, undeniable, and palpable.
National Network
A sisterhood dedicated to providing women survivors across the country with the resources, time, and support they need to heal.
532
Beds across the country for women survivors.
92
Sister organizations in our network, with 57 open residential programs.
35
Residential organizations still in development.
WE ARE OFTEN ASKED ABOUT STATISTICS:
WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES?
Meet Kynlee, the granddaughter of one of our graduates.
After generations of trafficking and addiction, including our graduate's own story of being trafficked by her father at the age of 8, the cycle is ending.
Kynlee was born into a loving family with two stable parents, so in love with Kynlee that her image floods their social media and their sweet dreams.
What if we did all this work for all these years just for this one? This one beautiful baby that is the color of the world with grey eyes?
It would have been worth it all.
Global Shared Trade
A world wide market of survivor artisans increasing the value of the producer in the market chain while providing support and advocacy.
38
Artisan partners in 20 countries.
1,400
Survivor artisans employed by partner organizations.
50-62%
Average revenue returned to our partners.
artisan highlight
Colectivo 1050°
These small, ceramic tumblers are handmade by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico to foster economic stability, social cohesion, and cultural development.
Stories of Hope and Healing
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Jennifer
The one thing I know is that we're all survivors and that everybody goes through difficult times and that when you're hurting, you're hurting.
Ty
Just being able to have the key to turn the Thistle Farms Residential door was amazing. But then, to have your own key, to turn your own door was something else.
Dorris
I thought I was getting a ride back to the streets, but I got a ride into the will of God.
Kristina
Living life as a sober person is new to me. Being in a loving community is new to me. Having a great job is new to me. Being trusted is new to me. Thistle Farms helped me get my life back and I'm going to live it to the fullest.
Financials
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