Our Mission, Vision + Values
mission
People are not property. No person should be bought or sold for sex. Not here in Central Ohio. Not anywhere.
Freedom a la Cart empowers survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency. We believe that breaking down employment barriers is vital for creating a pathway to freedom. So, we’ve created a safe place of restoration where survivors can heal, learn and grow as they prepare for sustainable employment, gain personal independence and reintegrate into our community.
vision
What does success look like for Freedom a la Cart? We see survivors of human trafficking breaking the cycle of exploitation – strengthening families and building resilient communities nationwide for generations to come.
We believe our model that joins social purpose with business rationality is scalable, replicable and effective. With a focus on serving thousands of survivors, we envision taking our model to new markets nationwide. It is our strong hope that other cities will employ intentional economic empowerment as a means to break cycles of exploitation.
our core values
Respect and Dignity — We connect with intention and communicate with sincerity, transparency, respect and dignity. We foster a spirit of positivity, inclusivity & gratitude while honoring the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make us unique.
Community — We create a safe and inclusive place where everyone feels valued and welcome. We embrace collaboration and recognize the unique contributions of each person. Every job, every person, every customer is equally important.
Growth — We drive growth through bold risks and innovation. We challenge the status quo and look for new ways and next steps for personal, professional and business development. We are motivated change-makers and respect the uniqueness of each personal journey.
Beauty — We recognize the inherent worth of every individual. We honor the beauty in ourselves, each other, our product, our work, and our surroundings. We are perfectly imperfect people with passion, grit and a purpose.
Hope — We know that our past does not define our future and believe in second, third and fourth chances. We build hope for the future by creating a place where everyone can pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
Freedom
What is Freedom a la Cart? A refuge from trauma, surrounded by grace and understanding, where the greatest challenge is personal transformation. A place where women who have spent a lifetime believing they are worthless can awaken to the truth that they indeed have value. That beauty is a quality that emanates from within us — not an external “look” that serves as the necessary means to attract the next client, the next high, to stay alive.
From around Ohio and sometimes beyond, survivors of human trafficking come to Freedom a la Cart to find the most beautiful people they have never known: Themselves.
Located in a lovingly restored historic building in downtown Columbus, our bustling café + catering kitchens are where survivors spend approximately two years learning how to mix, bake, slice, chop, season, craft, plate and serve superlative quiches, salads, sandwiches and pastries that are made with local ingredients and known as some of the best food in the city.
The practical job skills the women gain during their time here in our workforce development program are valuable currency on their journey to self-sufficiency. And the life skills they absorb are priceless.
Sticking to a schedule. Conflict resolution. Working on a team and maintaining a professional demeanor. Learning to trust that they are in an environment where people are not threats to their safety. Showing up to work each day. Carrying themselves with pride and self-esteem. These are no easy feats.
Take a virtual tour of our beautiful building!
Our Administrative Team
Paula Haines, CEO
Laurie Sargent, Director of Food + Beverage
Vanessa Torres, Director of Programs
Barbie Witt, Director of Finance + HR
Jennifer Nodjak, Director of Marketing
Lyndzy Donovan, Volunteer + Events Coordinator
Jess Doone, Peer Support Specialist
Grace Figliomeni, Senior Sales + Café Manager
Izzy Frohlich, Grants + Data Coordinator
Beth Hines, Catering Manager
Clarisse Hoenshell, Social Media Coordinator
Katie Kettlehake, Senior Engagement Manager
Lindsey Kreamer, Workforce Development Specialist
Mickey Miller, Resource Manager
Dorie Sessoms, Housing Resource Manager
Jewel Showalter, HR + Office Coordinator
Jamie Slayton, Senior Resource Manager
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please visit our Volunteer page.
If you are interested in ordering catering please email us at order@freedomalacart.org.
For all other inquiries please email us at info@freedomalacart.org and we will connect you to the correct team member.
Our Board
Sarah Ahern, Board President | PATH
Daniel Bloch, Board Treasurer | MGF Sourcing
Varsey Laurelle | Cultural Strategiest + Development Consultant
Joyce McKinniss, Board Secretary | Jones Day
Leslie Miller | Nationwide
Ada Nwoke | Huntington National Bank
Wendy O’Donnell | Accenture
Megumi Robinson | Belle Communication
Kieran Sherry | Columbus State Community College
Kristina Stuecher | OhioHealth
Teonna Wells | Jobs and Family Services