FAQS
What do you mean when you say Made for Freedom is a “Social Enterprise”?
“Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is the common good. They use the methods and disciplines of business and the power of the marketplace to advance their social, environmental and human justice agendas. Three characteristics distinguish a social enterprise from other types of businesses, nonprofits and government agencies:
- It directly addresses an intractable social need and serves the common good, either through its products and services or through the number of disadvantaged people it employs.
- Its commercial activity is a strong revenue driver, whether a significant earned income stream within a non-profit’s mixed revenue portfolio, or a for-profit enterprise.
- The common good is its primary purpose, literally “baked into” the organization’s DNA, and trumping all others.” (Social Enterprise Alliance)
Who are your partners and how did you connect with them?
During a research trip to India in January of 2012, Dawn was able to meet Leah with Freedom Firm’s Ruhamah Designs and hear about the small groups of women she is training to make beautiful jewelry. Dawn also met Kerry with Freeset and toured the facilities where women make a variety bags and tee shirts. Even though her time was short, she could see that women involved in these businesses were being cared for and loved well.
During her January 2015 #CreabeliConnections trip, Dawn met with potential partners in India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, and China, and we're excited to get those partnerships rolling.
Our goal is to help fund businesses that are providing preventative measure for those at risk and/or providing life skills and job training. Empowering people through dignified employment, life skills and job training is at the core of all that we do.
Local vs. International?
Another insight was revealed during Dawn’s trip: a newspaper headline caught her attention, which essentially stated that India is the worst place in the world to be born as a girl. As we learn more about the sex industry, we see how it is seeping into every city and town. We want to be part of fighting human trafficking wherever it is happening.
With the potential scalability of this business, we have the opportunity to provide dignified employment for those at risk and survivors in St. Louis and around the world.
“According to government data, the state of Missouri, and St. Louis and St. Charles counties, are at the top of the list when it comes to incidents of human trafficking, with St. Louis ranking in the top 20.” (Newsmagazine Network).
“India probably has more modern slaves than any country in the world. It has millions of women and girls in its brothels, often held captive for their first few years until they grow resigned to their fate. China surely has more prostitutes, but they are typically working voluntarily. India’s brothels are also unusually violent, with ferocious beatings common and pimps sometimes even killing girls who are uncooperative.” Nicholas Kristof, NY Times.
For more about the life girls in India will face: Hindu Times
How Can I Join the Fight?
We invite you to join us as we raise awareness, raise funds, and build a business that changes lives. If you are excited about what we are doing here are some simple things you can do:
- Sign up for the official Made for Freedom updates.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest.
- Share our story with others. Share what has impacted you, surprised you, and excited you. Join us in spreading the word on how to combat the terrible epidemic of sex slavery.
- Buy a pair of Creabelis, a crossbody bag, or a t-shirt. Buying our Creabeli products directly helps women and children today through our partnership with organizations already providing preventative and restorative life skills and job training. You can purchase Creabelis online and at select boutiques around the country!