In 1997, Episcopal priest Becca Stevens- seeing a great need in her community- opened a home for four female survivors of trafficking, addiction, and prostitution, under the name Magdalene. Today the residential program of Thistle Farms provides housing for up to 32 women and serves hundreds more with advocacy and referral services.
But they didn’t stop there. As Thistle Farms takes no money from the state or federal government, they have to sustain themselves. Enter their marketplace: THISTLE FARMS SOCIAL ENTERPRISES.
From their website:
“Thistle Farms’s social enterprises employs residents and graduates of the residential program. We operate a natural bath and body product line, the Thistle Stop Cafe, the Studios Workshop and Thistle Farms Global Marketplace. Housed in an 11,000 sq. ft. facility in Nashville, Thistle Farms is a supportive workplace where women acquire the skills they need to earn a living wage. We employ 45-50 residents or graduates, and through our Global partners, another 1,000 women are employed. Half of the leadership team of Thistle Farms are residents and graduates of the program.”
The ingredients they use are good for you and therefore safe to use on your skin and in your home (which is like the women coming full circle).
We are always so happy when we find someone making a difference in their community and when we do- we want to share them with you.
They have gifts just for the season and offer both the ability to purchase from store fronts OR via their website. Visit them here: Thistle Farms
Source: Youtube and Thistle Farms
