Freedom a la Cart (Freedom) empowers survivors of sex trafficking through supportive services, workforce development, and innovative social enterprises like their bustling catering company and survivor resource center, “The Freedom Loft.” Since 2008, Freedom has partnered with Franklin County Municipal Court’s CATCH Court to provide comprehensive community-based support, fostering healing and offering equitable employment opportunities through their food-cart initiative turned thriving business.
Freedom a la Cart has been awarded a GrantTank grant from The Jensen Project to bolster and expand its critical services for survivors of sex trafficking. This funding will support Freedom in maintaining its current capacity to serve over 300 survivors annually while also facilitating expansion into a new geographic market within Ohio by the end of 2025. The organization aims to reach more survivors and enhance their journey toward self-sufficiency through a comprehensive array of programs that address the multifaceted challenges they face.
This collaboration includes monthly outings, weekly luncheons, retreats, and individual mentoring, alongside practical assistance such as hygiene products and help with driver’s license reinstatement. These efforts are integral to rebuilding trust and facilitating healing for survivors navigating the justice system.
Freedom’s Workforce Development Program offers survivors paid training in its catering kitchen, equipping them with job skills, financial literacy, and trauma counseling over a 6 to 24-month period. The Housing Program ensures survivors have stable accommodations while continuing to receive comprehensive support services and community connections. The Butterfly Program provides ongoing peer support, social gatherings, and access to essential resources, fostering a supportive environment crucial for long-term recovery and independence.
Freedom a la Cart operates a beautiful cafe in downtown Columbus, offering full-service breakfast and lunch in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The cafe stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal, with plants and thoughtful design elements, but also for its approach to empowering survivors. The team includes survivors in leadership roles, ensuring that lived experiences inform every layer of their business.
They have built a sustainable model by forming strong relationships within their community. A significant portion of their revenue comes from catering business lunches and events, with about 75% of their business being catered box lunches. This strategy has secured them a place on the preferred vendor list for various local organizations, including the city of Columbus.
Freedom a la Cart’s cafe provides a range of experiences for both customers and employees. Their menu features delicious options like bacon grilled cheese, sweet potato dishes, and chicken salad, all served with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The customer service experience is emphasized, teaching employees valuable skills that they can apply in other areas of their lives and careers.
The organization offers low-barrier employment opportunities, welcoming individuals back even if they have faced challenges. They provide extensive training in culinary and customer service skills, including recipe literacy, cost control, and basic math. This comprehensive approach equips participants with skills that are transferable to other jobs and helps them build confidence.
Freedom a la Cart is also expanding, with plans to open a similar establishment in Cincinnati. They have done extensive groundwork to ensure the success of their new location. Additionally, they have a dedicated housing coordinator who works with local landlords to find affordable housing for participants.
The cafe’s design incorporates trauma-informed principles, created in collaboration with a trauma-informed architect. This includes features like seating arrangements that prevent anyone from walking behind seated individuals, enhancing the sense of safety and comfort. Their thoughtful, trauma-informed approach to design and operations sets a high standard that other organizations could learn from.
Overall, Freedom a la Cart exemplifies how a social enterprise can combine a successful business model with impactful support for survivors, creating a positive environment that fosters growth and empowerment.
"This funding will support Freedom in maintaining its current capacity to serve over 300 survivors annually while also facilitating expansion into a new geographic market within Ohio by the end of 2025."
A yearly grant program, funding up to $2 Million to advance economic empowerment and housing opportunities for agencies who serve adult female survivors of human trafficking.
Armed with the latest news and insights on anti-trafficking organizations and policies, you can join us in the fight against sexual violence.
It takes funding for organizations to help women impacted by sexual violence, but it’s just the starting point. The Jensen Project’s holistic approach empowers nonprofits with grants, resources, and ongoing support to fuel the fight against sexual violence.