Selah Freedom Awarded $36,000 Grant from Bishop-Parker Foundation to S

Selah Freedom is honored to announce that it has been awarded a generous $36,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation. This critical funding will directly support survivors of sex trafficking by addressing essential transportation and housing needs— ensuring they have the resources necessary for healing, independence, and a brighter future.
A significant portion of the grant will be used to purchase an eight-passenger Toyota Sienna minivan. This vehicle will provide safe and reliable transportation for participants in Selah Freedom’s Residential and Outreach Programs, allowing them to attend school, work, medical and mental health appointments, dental visits, and counseling sessions. Without this van, staff members would face increased challenges in ensuring survivors have access to these vital services.

In addition to transportation support, the grant will fund a new air-conditioning unit for one of Selah Freedom’s long-term residences and critical repairs to another unit’s HVAC system. Given the intense summer heat, these improvements will create a more comfortable living environment, allowing survivors to focus on their healing journey. With access to safe housing, wraparound care, and the necessary resources, survivors can dedicate themselves to overcoming trauma, continuing their education, and building a hopeful future.

"Safe and reliable transportation, along with a comfortable living space, are fundamental to our mission of empowering survivors to reclaim their lives," said Stacey Efaw, Executive Director of Selah Freedom. "Thanks to the Bishop-Parker Foundation’s generosity, we can continue providing these essential services to those in our care."

Selah Freedom is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking and restoring freedom to survivors. Headquartered in Sarasota, the organization achieves its mission through five core programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential, and Consulting.

The Awareness Program educates communities nationwide on the realities of domestic sex trafficking through impactful presentations. Prevention equips youth and adults with the knowledge to recognize and prevent trafficking, partnering with schools and community organizations to deliver tailored education. Through Outreach, staff connect with individuals on the streets and in jails, offering support through a sex trade support group, case management, mentorship, and a prostitution court diversion program. The Residential Program provides survivors with safe housing, comprehensive resources, and holistic healing services to help them rebuild their lives. Selah Consulting assists organizations in developing or enhancing programs that serve exploited and at-risk individuals by providing training, curriculum, and guidance in a safe house program.

Selah Freedom is deeply grateful for this partnership and the shared commitment to restoring lives impacted by sex trafficking. For more information about Selah Freedom and ways to support its mission, visit www.selahfreedom.org.
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About Bishop‗Parker.Foundation
Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of our founders, the Bishop-Parker Foundation supports nonprofit and public partners who collaborate to advance the Manatee County community for current and future generations. For additional information, please contact Wendy Deming at wendy@bishopparkerfoundation.org.