Who We Are & What We Do

Lotus Foundation is a woman founded, woman led non-profit that serves survivors of human trafficking. We support our survivors through case management & advocacy, as well as providing direct services such as financial and material support.

Our Founders, Heather & Stephanie, both previously worked as Case Managers for survivors of human trafficking. Recognizing the serious deficiency in services and resources for this community, they decided to start their own organization that is completely centered on human trafficking survivors. This fundraising campaign will provide funds that will go directly to our clients (survivors). Your support could help with something as basic as providing food, clothes, or helping with rent. It could help provide educational services and support. It could even help a survivor change their identity and start over in a new, safe location. Your help and support could literally save lives, or help people who have been through unimaginable trauma begin to build their lives on their own terms for the first time.

Our Goals & How We’ll Spend The Funds

Our goal is to raise between $50-100k this year. We plan to use 90% of these funds to directly provide support for clients in the ways mentioned above. The remaining 10% will help us run our organization and cover administrative costs (work space, filing fees, etc). Over the long term, we want to buy and run a long term safehouse for survivors, where they can live rent-free while they begin their new life.

Here are some specifics on services and support we offer our clients:

Case Management
Confidential Advocacy
Providing material aid with things like food, clothes, housing assistance, etc.
Educational services & resources
Relocation
Legal filings and support

The Impact & Need

The unfortunate reality is that there are very limited resources for this community of survivors. Our staff has seen first hand just how far short we’re all coming, but with your help we can make a major impact and start a change for the better. Whether it's from sex trafficking or labor trafficking, whether they are men or women or children, all survivors deserve a real chance to heal their trauma and live a safe, comfortable life.

Risks & Challenges

Our biggest risks & challenges are tied to a lot of resources and funds to provide the absolute best support to our clients. Due to the limited resources available for human trafficking survivors, there are times when we have no options to even refer them to another source of assistance. We would love to be able to meet every need for every survivor, but if we do not obtain adequate funding, this will be impossible and we will fail in our mission.

Other Ways To Help

Even if you cannot help out with funding, raising awareness and spreading the word with your friends, families and communities is critical. Most people believe a lot of myths about human trafficking, especially in the United States. It can be hard to believe that these horrors are happening all around us. Deliver Fund states on their website that, "It is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year, and the total number varies wildly as it is very difficult to research. One study from the Department of Health and Human Services estimated the number between 240,000 and 325,000, while a report from the University of Pennsylvania put it at between 100,000 and 300,000." In the United States, human trafficking generates $35 billion per year. That is one third of the total global profit. It happens right here, in our own communities. The more people are aware, the more they can look for the signs or decide to volunteer or contribute to help fight the tragedy.

Lotus Foundation - Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking

By Lotus Foundation

Lotus Foundation - Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking

Providing Support for Survivors of Human Trafficking