THE KEY2FREE
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy of Teri Jansen
empowering trafficking survivors survi vors 2023 CAMPAIGNS
T
he Key2Free was founded in April 2013 after a group of ladies went on an educational trip to Thessaloniki, Greece to learn of the global prevalence of human sex trafficking. It was there that now CEO Amy Davis received a calling to start an organization to serve women who have been exploited and trafficked.
WHAT WE DO The PATH2Freedom Restorative Housing program provides education and awareness via a long-term (12-18 months) program but, more importantly, includes free, 24-hour, comprehensive residential care for women who have been sold in the commercial sex industry. Though the primary focus is Williamson County, The Key2Free has worked with victims and survivors nationwide. The Key2Free also hosts "Be The Voice", a podcast to educate the public about human trafficking; available on Spotify, iTunes, and Twitter. Follow on Instagram @bethevoice. pod.
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G I V I N G B A C K 2023
We are currently in our annual 100 Days of Giving Freedom Campaign, which runs until midnight December 31. We believe, with the help of the community, we can impact survivors of sex trafficking. Together, we have the potential to transform the course of their stories, as lives will be changed, hope will be restored, and a generation of survivors will rise up empowered to fight back against modern-day slavery. The goal for our giving campaign is $150,000. On October 21, The Key2Free opened Eden’s Corner, a women’s thrift boutique providing sustainable income for programming as well as job training and employment opportunities for program participants. For more information, follow @edens_ corner.k2f on Instagram.
In the near term, our goal is to renovate the garage at Freedom House (our restorative home) to provide a recreation space for residents. This Recreation Room would allow survivors to take a break from the heavy topics and issues they are addressing. Additionally, the space can be used for myriad creative outlets that help them process the trauma they are working through. Our 11th annual gala, “A Night at the Movies,” will be held at Reunion Ranch in Georgetown Saturday April 27, 2024. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at TheKey2Free.org.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The Key2Free believes one of the most successful ways to support someone in recovery and restoration is through genuine, authentic relationships, so we call our volunteers “KEYpers.” Volunteer opportunities include event support, administrative/office help, meal delivery, boutique help, survivor advocacy. For more information on how to become a KEYper, contact MGuzman@TheKey2Free.org. The Key2Free is also always looking for community partners to help us provide services to the organization, e.g., dental assistance, car maintenance, lawn maintenance, legal services, therapy, etc.
