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
A Holistic Revolution
After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was 5, Becca longed to open a sanctuary for survivors offering a loving community.
In 1997, five women who had experienced trafficking, violence, and addiction were welcomed home.
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.
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 women do not end up on the streets on their own but as the result of multiple broken systems and communities.
It takes a loving, healing community to welcome them home.
How Love Heals
Living Our Mission Through 3 Integrated Paths
Residential Program
We provide housing, case management, healthcare, counseling, job skills, and employment for two years - free of charge.
Our homes operate on a holistic model - built on trust and love.
Love Heals. Five years after graduation, 75% of our residents are living healthy, financially independent lives.
Social Enterprises
Our 3 social enterprises - Body & Home, The Café, and Global Shared Trade - provide gateway jobs for survivors, as well as provide an entrepreneurial revenue stream to scale our mission.
Financial freedom is instrumental in transforming lives. Survivors are protected from the violence and vulnerability of poverty, families are reunited, and communities become more vibrant.
National Network
A force of like minded organizations that collaborate to deliver justice and challenge systems that commodify and abuse women.
The survivor-led network includes 59 organizations that house over 300 women 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.