April is #SexualAssaultAwareness month and The Brand New Day Fund (TBNDF) is honored and happy to donate to a wonderful organization called Thistle Farms. Established over 25 years ago in Nashville, TN by Rev. Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms is “a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. [They] do this by providing a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support.” Their website is well worth the visit and can educate and inspire you with their proven model of making real and measurable change in individual lives and communities alike.

I resonate strongly with their mantra of “love heals” and the following quote: “There is poetic justice in creating healing, nourishing products for the body, from women whose bodies have endured years of abuse.” I love that I find said healing products in all sorts of places around my hometown, always bringing a smile (and usually some much needed TLC) to my face – literally.

I know I’ve sometimes felt overwhelmed with feeling a lack of ability to make a noticeable dent in the never-ending flood of harm and resulting need around us. I have many causes that are dear to my heart and/or played a key role in my past, but perhaps none are more painful to share and carry than having been the survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault. It took me so long to admit that this was part of my story and I truly wish I could fix it all, to prevent even one more person from having the same type of experience.

As I grow into an advocate, I take every chance to learn from those who have been doing this powerful work for years and have much to teach us all. So far, Thistle Farms is one of my greatest hopes and examples I’ve found in being creative, courageous, and boldly living for the good. I invite you to learn a little today and perhaps join me in supporting their efforts.

– Jessica

Learn more about Thistle Farms HERE.

Donate and learn more about The Brand New Day Fund HERE.

Read/listen and learn more about my memoir Unspeakable HERE.