butterfly program

Given the impact of the repeated and intrusive trauma experienced by sex trafficking victims, the road to independence and stability is long and challenging. It is not surprising that after short-term treatment some survivors continue to experience difficulties maintaining sobriety, obtaining and holding down a job, paying bills, and reintegrating back into society. Freedom’s Butterfly Program fills a gap for human trafficking survivors in recovery by offering a community of long-term support with resources and tools to advance their lives of stability and independence. 

The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer initiative. A growing body of research is showing numerous community benefits of peer-based support including: significant healthcare savings; improved social functioning; improved family relationships; improved quality of life; increased employment; reduced substance use; reduced depression and demoralization; and improved chance for long-term recovery.

This program was financially assisted by the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Additional thanks to Playset for their partial in-kind sponsorship of this project.

significance of the butterfly

A butterfly’s purpose is to carry pollen to the world’s fruits, vegetables and flowers which produces new seeds that help make our world grow stronger and healthier. The purpose of Freedom’s  Butterfly Program is very similar.The program’s purpose is to support other Butterflies by carrying experience, strength and hope; planting seeds of inspiration, encouragement and love; and helping each other grow stronger and healthier in self sufficiency and recovery.

our impact

“An awesome support network that has empowered me by developing good social skills by sharing, participating in activities with other Butterflies, and being able to give and listen to positive criticism. I am, and will be forever grateful to Freedom a la Cart for creating and sponsoring the Butterfly group, and assisting us to develop life skills and self-sufficiency!”

-Survivor