Through The Darkest Night
For over 20 years, Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
Our History
I Dreamed of a Sanctuary
After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was 5, Becca Stevens longed to open a sanctuary for survivors offering a loving community.
In 1997, Becca opened our first home as a sanctuary for 5 women survivors.
Four years later, the women were making great strides in recovery, but struggling to become financially self-sufficient due to employment barriers.
To address this, Becca, volunteers, and residents began making candles in a church basement and, in 2001, Thistle Farms social enterprises were born.
Our Mantra
Love Is The Strongest Force For Change In The World
At Thistle Farms, we don't ask, "What did you do?" We ask, What happened to you?"
Most of the women we serve first experienced sexual abuse between ages 7-11 and began using alcohol or drugs by age 13, and first hit the streets between the ages of 14 and 16.
Traumatic childhood experiences give way to homelessness, addiction, further abuse, and incarceration, often compounded by poverty.
We believe that love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the street, and a strong community will help them not only heal, but thrive.
How Love Heals
Together, we heal by ensuring access to safe and supportive housing, financial independence, and a lifelong community of support.
Together, we rise up against systems that commoditize, criminalize, and abuse women.
Residential Program
We provide housing, case management, healthcare, counseling, education, and employment for two years - free of charge.
Our homes operate on a holistic model with no authority living in the house. Each one represents a community built on trust and love.
Love Heals. Five years after graduation, 75% of our graduates are living healthy, financially independent lives.
Social Enterprises
Meaningful employment leading to financial freedom is instrumental in the healing journey. Our 3 social enterprises - Body & Home, The Café, and Global Shared Trade - provide both gateway and permanent jobs for survivors, as well as revenue for our mission.
Women survivors provide leadership roles in every department. Over the past year, these enterprises collectively reached more than 40,000 customers, providing over $2m in income for survivors. And we are just getting started.
National Network
A sisterhood of like minded organizations that collaborate to provide housing, healing, and employment for women survivors across the country.
The survivor-led network houses over 500 women in healing sanctuaries across the country.
Our education team leads conferences to train and inspire, creating a catalyst for change.
Why the thistle?
Thistles grow on the streets and alleys where the women of Thistle Farms have walked.
Considered weeds by many, thistles have a deep root that can shoot through concrete and survive drought.
The resilience, vibrancy, and healing qualities of the thistle parallel the survival and flourishing of women survivors.