When I dig deeper about why human trafficking--why is that the cause I chose to stand behind and give back to when Tillage began--I need to say more than my simple answer. I saw footage of young girls being sex trafficked in Mumbai, India in my mid-twenties, and my heart broke.
If you've ever experienced heartbreak, you know your life goes through a transformation in a moment, never to be the same. Seeing that film was a major marker in my passion for humanity and desire to fight for justice for mankind.
Long before Tillage, I had dreams of being a defense attorney, and as I made my way through college, thoughts of entering the world of psychology kept coming up. The longing to be able to step up and speak up for the voiceless and marginalized is in my blood.
It was my incredible mom's career path. So, of course, I was surrounded by women who had a really rough life and needed a hand up and a place to live. The Anna Louise Inn was transitional housing for over 200 women. It helped them out of dark times and served as a safe place to heal and get help.
Today, this organization still serves as a home for many and has added on HER "Off the Streets" program. "It provides housing, counseling, and recovery services to help women leave street prostitution and human trafficking." And it's an organization that Tillage is glad to collaborate with.
Pursuing a law degree or PHD in Psychology may not have been my path, but running this small business and serving as a bridge between ethical fashion and fighting human trafficking definitely is.
Please take a moment to check out what they are up to and opportunities to give back directly, both in volunteering and financially.
