BNtheMix.com/ January 11, 2017 – During January, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Crowned Free, a fashion-forward, direct sales fashion retailer based in Michigan whose mission is to change the lives human trafficking survivors, has partnered with three nonprofit organizations across the United States, and is offering a limited edition line of products.
Crowned Free, which has a presence in nine states, has chosen to donate a portion of proceeds earned during January to Refuge for Women North Texas, Hope for Justice in Nashville and Created Gainesville in Florida. The donated funds will support each nonprofit’s programs and services for survivors. Representatives nationwide sell Crowned Free’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Products are also available to purchase directly from the company’s website.
“Our purpose is to make a difference in the lives of those affected by human trafficking. Partnership with organizations and the support of our representatives expands our mission to reach and restore survivors,” said Crowned Free’s Chief Difference Maker and Co-Founder, Danielle DeSmit.
In addition to giving back to organizations, Crowned Free supports survivors by creating employment opportunities for rescued women. Forty-five percent of Crowned Free’s products are made and signed by survivors from all over the world, including jewelry, women’s tank tops, children’s t-shirts, pillows, totes and pouches.
Crowned Free and its representatives are offering a limited edition “Difference Maker” line of products this month, featuring printed messages such as, “She’s got that purpose driven, difference maker, save the world, type of vibe.” Products in the line include a survivor-made pillow, a survivor-made pouch, a women’s baseball t-shirt, a women’s lace belle shirt, a pendant necklace and charm bracelets.
“There are different ways people can link arms with us to help make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. Whether it be purchasing our products, joining as a representative or being a hostess of a pop up shop, we are thankful for any support and efforts to raise awareness, and empower survivors of this global issue,” said Crowned Free’s Chief Crown Officer and Co-Founder, Heidi VanderWal.
Refuge for Women North Texas is a nonprofit, faith-based organization providing specialized long-term care for women who have escaped human trafficking or exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers up to 12 months of safe housing at no charge to the resident and with around the clock care.
“We are so excited about Crowned Free and what they are doing. In order to stop human trafficking, we need to all be united and creative, and that is exactly what Crowned Free is striving to do,” said Abby Germer, event director of Refuge for Women North Texas. “Crowned Free’s donation will go directly into our program, which requires 24/7 staff, licensed counselors, program materials, transporting residents to their meetings and appointments.”
Hope for Justice is an international nonprofit working to bring an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. The organization will use the Crowned Free’s donation to support its rescue efforts, which Hope for Justice hopes to expand through additional investigators and training.
“There is not a state in the U.S. that is not affected by this horrific injustice. We at Hope for Justice will not stop until we live in a world free from slavery,” said Ed LeMieux, executive director of strategic partnerships for Hope for Justice. “Hope for Justice is grateful and humbled to walk alongside Crowed Free as we say thank you to everyone who is raising their voice and using their resources in this shared fight, as we change lives and end slavery.”
Located in Florida, Created Gainesville is committed to reaching and restoring exploited and trafficked women to an understanding of their value, beauty and destiny by offering them a name, a place and a voice. Created Gainesville plans to use donated funds to support the Created Care restorative program. In this program, women can receive counseling, develop job and life skills and pursue educational goals, among other types of physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual healing.
“We see a common thread between Created Gainesville and Crowned Free in the sense that we are all on the same mission to reach and restore exploited and trafficked women. We see so much unity and the same heartbeat between our organizations,” said Alison Ungaro, founder and executive director of Created Gainesville. “Every time we form a new partnership, we grow a stronger foundation. It means a lot to us for Crowned Free to say we want to walk with you in this.”
Since being founded in January 2014, Crowned Free has expanded to nine states with representatives in the Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Crowned Free employs survivors who create premier products manufactured both in the U.S. and throughout the world.
More information about Crowned Free is available online at http://www.crownedfree.com.