Tampa nonprofit Bridging Freedom recognized by and working with Governor Scott in major efforts for victims of human traffick

September 30, 2015 (Tallahassee, FL) -- Leaders from a variety of fields were recognized at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee this week for substantial accomplishments and progress in their various respective endeavors. Governor and Mrs. Scott hosted a Leadership Dinner at the mansion to thank the group of about 20 leaders for their hard work. Attendees included judges, mayors, sheriffs, developers, entrepreneurs, tourism officials, social service providers, and other community torchbearers.

Among honored guests was Bridging Freedom president Laura Hamilton. The Governor has recognized and supported Bridging Freedom in several ways as the nonprofit is leading the charge to construct Florida’s first-ever comprehensive therapeutic safe-home community for children traumatized by commercial sexual exploitation.

Building on last year’s legislative achievements to decriminalize victims of human trafficking and post signs with hotline numbers in potential trafficking areas, organizations like Bridging Freedom are focusing predominantly on restoration of recovered children.

Among recent progress: nearly 100 acres of land is secured, several pro-bono partnership agreements in place, and $1 million in state funds are secured for the land development budget – boosting Bridging Freedom’s efforts to raise the $4 million needed to build and staff the six-home campus, community lodge, chapel, and therapeutic activities throughout to help victimized children heal and prepare to rejoin society. At this time there are very few such facilities in the country that accept and care for youth victims of human trafficking.

“On behalf of Bridging Freedom we graciously thank Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott for their leadership and ongoing commitment to victims of human trafficking,” said Hamilton. “They truly recognize it takes a community-state partnership to build a successful restoration model for our children,”

“We are grateful for the opportunities to share the work we do, and to meet new friends that help open new paths of collaboration toward our goals in bringing hope and healing.”

About Bridging Freedom

Bridging Freedom is the nonprofit organization leading the effort to build Florida’s first-ever comprehensive therapeutic safe-home community providing individualized, holistic treatment for children traumatized by commercial sexual exploitation. With significant public and private partnerships, Bridging Freedom has made substantial strides toward construction, while also creating and spreading awareness that this is a local issue.

To learn more about Bridging Freedom or how you can help with this project:

Call 813.474.HOPE or visit BridgingFreedom.org.

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