butterfly program
Research shows that personal connection to a community is vital to healing from trauma and substance use disorder. So, Freedom created the Butterfly Program as a peer-to-peer initiative for life-long support throughout one’s journey. It’s a safe space for survivors to gather socially or access needed services that help support what’s next in life — sustainable jobs in the community, economic independence, and tools that lead to gaining and maintaining self-sufficiency. Butterflies work toward a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with childcare paperwork, fill out forms to reinstate a driver’s license, apply to college, develop a resume or work with an attorney to get record expungement.
This program was financially assisted by the Ohio State Bar Foundation.
Additional thanks to Playset for their partial in-kind sponsorship of this project.
monarch butterflies
This year (2024) we’re launching a new subgroup of the Butterfly Program at Freedom a la Cart — the Monarch Butterflies. The Monarch Butterfly symbolizes change, hope, and revival in many cultural traditions. This butterfly is a reminder that change is constant and that every ending brings with it the potential for new beginnings.
The Freedom Monarch Butterfly Group is a blossoming group of survivors who are accomplished in their personal stability and sobriety. Freedom recognizes that the Monarch Butterflies want connection but have different needs than when they first entered the Butterfly Program. The purpose of the Monarch Butterfly Group is to provide peer support and social connections to survivors within a similar, more-advanced stage in recovery and life.
Membership into the Monarch Butterfly Group is by invitation and requires stringent eligibility requirements focused on longer-term stability, sobriety and self-sufficiency.
We look forward to walking alongside these Monarch Butterflies as they continue exceeding their goals!
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
85%
of survivors have increased their earning power since working with Freedom
94%
of participants have made progress toward achieving a personal or professional goal
85%
are NOT regularly hindered by physical or mental health challenges in work-related tasks or everyday life
71%
have adequate social capital with at least 3-4 healthy people in their lives they can reach out to for help or support
“Freedom [a la Cart] has refreshed my soul at insurmountable times. Whenever I need a moment to just breathe and gather my thoughts I know the loft is waiting. Even though I have been staying busy I never forget where my journey began and the trajectory of my life changed. I’m forever grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey whatever the reason, whatever the season. I don’t know where I would be – literally – if Freedom [ a la Cart] would not have been there for me when I was lost, scared, and alone.”
-Program Participant