BTFF Newsletter Header
  
Issue:
#13
Date:
   June 1, 2012
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In This Issue
BTFF News
Modern Day Slavery News
Upcoming Events
Team Corner
Quick Links
Outreach Opportunites
Is your group or organization interested in learning more about modern slavery and BTFF's work?  BTFF is committed to bringing awareness to the issues of modern slavery and share our amazing mission to ensure survivors empowered to lead thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a BTFF representative to speak at one of your upcoming events.  Contact us at info@btff.org.

Need a Workshops for your clients?
Do you work for an organization who assists survivors or at-risk populations?  Contact BTFF today to learn more about our Personal and Professional Development Workshops. We offer a wide array of BTFF is always seeking partner organizations to work alongside with to  ensure survivors are empowered to lead thriving lives. Contact BTFF today to schedule a series of workshops for your clients today.  Contact us at programs@btff.org.

Call for Volunteers
We are looking for individuals who can help with admin/volunteer management, grant writing and events. If you are interested, please contact us immediately at info@btff.org with your application, resume and cover letter.
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Current Needs
BTFF currently has the need for new personal care items, including beauty and nutritional products.
We are also in
need of  retail gift certificates for survivors to purchase needed clothing. 
If you have any products or gift-certificates to donate please contact us at doantions@btff.org. 
Sponsors
First Defense Logo
WebbMason Logo  
foundation fitness  

National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you have reason to suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline on (1-888-373-7888). Multilingual call specialists are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
Dear Supporters,   

 

As we wind down the spring has season we are taking no rest as we gear up for a busy summer.  The office is currently buzzing as new interns and volunteers get orientated and take on key tasks. While the summer will be busy, we are already looking ahead to the fall.  Therefore I am delighted to announce that again, BTFF has been chosen to be a beneficiary partner in the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk and have the opportunity to share our vision with such incredible partners. The upcoming months will be exciting as we work on a number of big grants; increase our community outreach and partnerships with other service providers; seek sponsors and donations for the walk; coordinate a number of big events for the year; and reach out to the media gain more coverage for BTFF.

 

Over the next few months BTFF will be engaging in a number of outreach events and activities to share our message, expand our reach and programs.  We are honored to have your support, and to transition from an entirely volunteer-based organization to that of one with a funded core staff.  Please see our opportunities section if you would like to be part of history and be part of this exciting phase of BTFF; this will open many doors for countless survivors of modern slavery. 

 

For more information: Bridge to Freedom Foundation

  

Thank you f
Cassandra Headshootor your support,   
Cassandra Clifford
Executive Director and Founder
 
BRIDGE TO FREEDOM FOUNDATION NEWS   
Seda Nak (BTFF Volunteer) and Cassandra Clifford (BTFF Founder and Executive Director) with Girma Tolla Desta (Ethiopian Olympist) and Dagne Alemu (Veteran's 10k).
Run for Freedom 5K an Outstanding Success
On Saturday, April 28th more than 200 participants came out to Fletcher's Cove to run for freedom. This group of supporters was not out for their daily run or jog, but to support the fight to end modern slavery. BTFF was honored to be the beneficiary of this year's walk and to have the chance to meet such dedicated supporters. See all of our photos from the race here.  Thank you again to everyone who came out in support of this race and to all the amazing volunteers who made it happen!  

BTFF Selected as Beneficiary for Stop Modern Slavery Walk 

Bridge to Freedom Foundation is excited to announce that we have been chosen as a beneficiary for the the 4th Annual DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk on September 29th! This is our fourth year attending the walk and our second as a beneficiary

This year 85% of the general funds and sponsorship's raised will be donated to BTFF and the other 14 2012 walk beneficiariesAdditionally, BTFF will receive 85% of the total funds raised on our team page.  See our team page here to donate, or register to walk with us.

 

We Need Your Vote for a Grant to Create a Unique Program to Provide Survivors with Self-Defense Training

First Defense Women's Only

Please show your support for BTFF and vote for our sponsor 
First Defense Martial Arts Center win a $250,000 Grant in the Chase Mission Small Business competition. The grant will be used to see that all survivors of abuse and assault have access to self-defense training and support they need to not only avoid and survive any possible threats in the future, but be empowered and continue to increase their own self-worth. This work will be in partnership with Bridge to Freedom Foundation, to support our mission to is to ensure that all survivors of modern day slavery are able to build the skills and resources needed to escape the cycle of modern slavery and abuse while attaining and achieve lives they choose.  To vote click here and search First Defense in the 'Business Name' box.  Thank you for your support! 
MODERN DAY SLAVERY NEWS

news round-up The United States and Great Britain faith based agencies aim to halt trafficking at the London Olympics

37 U.S. and British faith-based investment firms have banded together to have the major sponsors and tourist hotels of this summers' Olympics to sign a pledge stating that they will stop human trafficking around the Olympic Games. The efforts of the firms continue to combat the human trafficking efforts at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and this year's Super Bowl in Indianapolis. To read the full story, click here

Human Trafficking Happening in Charlotte

As a transportation hub with close proximity to major highways, human trafficking has come to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Traffickers can pick up their victims and then easily leave, making it hard to find and prosecute them.  State Attorney General Roy Cooper wants more public awareness and with the Democratic National Convention approaching, there's a growing concern of increased trafficking. Currently, there are 7 to 10 human trafficking cases that are open in the city. To read the full story, click here.

 

The U.S. Human Trafficking Dilemma

"The Invisible Army" a piece in the New Yorker by journalist Sarah Stillman tells the story of thousands of foreign workers. In 2011, the Commission on Wartime Contracting said it had uncovered evidence of human trafficking in Irag and Afghanistan by labor brokers and subcontractors. The information uncovered showed that the workers were feeding, cleaning up after and providing logistical support for U.S. troops. According to the Commissioner, Doy Zakeheim, there was much more to be uncovered, it was simply the "tip of the iceberg." To read the full story, click here

 

For more modern slavery news and reports, please go to the BTFF Blog

UPCOMING EVENTS 
laughingmanHappy Hour Fundraiser - June 7th

Join us a the Laughing Man Tavern, as we celebrate our selection as a beneficiary in this year's Stop Modern Slavery Walk...for which you will be able to register onsite to join our team!  There will also be a raffle with prizes including a Laughing Man Tavern gift certificate, two tickets to a play at the Little Theater in Alexandria, BTFF Little Birds art print and more great items. 

 

When: June 7th from 6:30 - 11:30 pm

Where: 1306 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cost: $5 door donation, gives you wristband entitling you to discounts on already amazing happy hour prices. 

 

For more details and directions click here.  

  
 
2011 SMS Walk StageDC Stop Modern Slavery Walk - September 29th
Join BTFF, an official walk beneficiary, as we walk to end modern slavery at the Stop Modern Slavery Walk on the National Mall. The event will host a resource fair, where we will have a table, musical performances and a variety of speakers against human trafficking, including survivors, throughout the day. 
 
When:  September 29th from 9am until 1:00
Where: Walk check-in will be at 20th & Constitution Ave. NW from 7:45am - 8:45am.
Cost: $15 Students, $25-$100 for individuals and Free to do a Fundraising only page for BTFF!
 
Click here to donate to our team, or register to walk with us.  
 
Show Your Support and Host a BTFF Fundraiser or Start an Online Fundraising Campaign

As a new and growing organization, BTFF needs your help in raising funding for our capacity development. Why not host a happy hour, rummage sale, golf tournament, start an online fundraising campaign RootFunding Campaign for your birthday, host a performance event...think creatively and have fun!  If you would like to host an event or happy hour to benefit BTFF please contact us at info@btff.org.

TEAM CORNER

 

With the spring and summer here BTFF is delighted to have more Interns and volunteers joining us.  Therefore it is with great pleasure that we introduce you to two of our newest members:

 

Jasmine London

Jasmine

A resident of Maryland, Jasmine graduated from the University of Maryland - College Park (UMD) in the spring of 2010 with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English with a minor in Rhetoric. Currently, Jasmine is pursuing a Certificate in Public Relations and plans to apply to graduate school in the spring to obtain her M.A. in Communications. Jasmine serves as the Media and Public Relations Associate for the Bridge to Freedom Foundation. 

  

Charice Shellahamer

Charice

Charice was born and spent her early childhood in Alaska. At the age of 19, she joined the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA, serving in Kuwait, Bosnia, and Iraq.  Charice has a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on Anthropology and Arabic and is returning to college for a second Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. Charice currently serves as the Fundraising and Event Planner.

  

For more information: Our Team  

OPPORTUNITIES

 

Are you looking to impact the lives of survivors? 
BTFF is always on the look out for  dedicated volunteers to join our team. We are currently accepting applications for interns and fellows.  We have many other opportunitiessuch as a need for grant writers as well as fundraising and events. For more opportunities and a volunteer application form please see our website. 
For more information: Opportunities