Dear Friends:

 

As many of you know I have a passion for working against Human Trafficking in our world. While the problem is global, many do not realize that it exists in our own state. Minnesota ranks amongst the top 13 states in the United States with human trafficking violations within its boundaries. From forced labor in service sectors and back-alley sweatshops, to commercial sex with children as young as 12, Minnesota suffers from the same tragedies you may have heard of in third world countries.

Breaking Free is an organization to which I have dedicated a lot of my spare time. I have found their work to help women and children escape prostitution amazing and much needed. Breaking Free helps women escape a life of sex slavery. They provide food, clothing, shelter, and counselling to provide these women and their families a way to survive without having to sell themselves.

During this tough economy, Breaking Free like many other nonprofits has had to face serious cutbacks as grants have been reduced or eliminated completely. In addition, donations are slimmer than ever. For more on Breaking Free, see their website at www.breakingfree.net.

I know many of you are doing the same cutting back in your lives. But, what may mean a reduced club membership, no new shoes, or eating out less for us, translates into homelessness, starvation, abuse, and a return to the dark life of the streets for many of these women and their children. And, this is all happening in the midst of a thriving sex industry.

I hope you'll join me in giving a little each month to help a place like Breaking Free stay open during this difficult season. Just $10 a month means so much to these women.

Thanks so much for listening,

Love ya all,

Kathy