Survivors’ Voices Take Center Stage with Unveiling of the “Barrier Wall Project”

[April 17, 2025, LEHIGH VALLEY, PA] – Bloom, an organization dedicated to providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Lehigh Valley, this morning welcomed nearly 80 attendees, including local lawmakers, government officials, and community leaders, to its inaugural Legislative Breakfast: “Shared Dreams. Different Barriers. United for Change!”

Held at The Dime Restaurant in Allentown, the event launched Bloom’s advocacy initiatives and created space for a powerful, solution-driven conversation around human trafficking in the Lehigh Valley. Attendees included U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, PA State Representative Milou Mackenzie, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski, Fire Deputy District Attorney Robert Eyer, and Allentown Chief of Police Charles Roca. Representatives from five additional elected officials’ offices were also present, underscoring strong bipartisan support for survivor advocacy and anti-trafficking efforts in the region. These included individuals from the offices of U.S. Senator John Fetterman, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, PA Senator Nick Miller, PA Senator Lisa Boscola, and PA Senator Jarrett Coleman.

Attendees heard from Bloom CEO Carol Andersen and Outreach Manager Sheniqua Mitchell, U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, and Homeland Security Special Agent Ashley Fernandez, who shared critical insights into the local and national landscape of trafficking, and the urgent need for collaborative, systemic responses.

A powerful highlight of the morning was the unveiling of Bloom’s Barrier Wall Project—a moving, survivor-created art installation illustrating the many barriers faced by survivors, such as stigma, trauma, housing insecurity, criminal records, and debt. The wall then opened to the Wall of Dreams offering a vision of hope, stability, and restored futures.

The event concluded with a deeply moving reading of “The Weight of Walls,” a collaborative poem written by several of Bloom’s survivors. Their voices offered an honest and emotional reflection on the journey from captivity to healing—and a call to action for those in the room to stand with them.

“We cannot do this work alone,” said Carol Andersen, CEO of Bloom. “Preventing trafficking, protecting victims, healing and empowering survivors, and holding traffickers accountable all require strong public policy, sustainable funding, and a united commitment from lawmakers, advocates, and our community. Survivors are gaining their voices—and we must make sure they are heard.”

This event marked the official launch of Bloom’s advocacy efforts and reaffirmed the organization’s focus on  creating a world where survivors are seen, heard, supported, and empowered to build new futures.

About Bloom for Women

Bloom for Women, Inc. is a faith-based non-profit organization with the mission of providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. As part of its mission, Bloom offers emergency response, a two-year residential program, pregnant and parenting survivor services, and an independent living program in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Bloom follows the model and is a sister community of the remarkably successful Thistle Farms Nashville program. Additionally, Bloom offers direct-to-survivor outreach, community education and prevention services, including serving male, children and youth survivors. Furthermore, the Bloom Creative Studio, located in Bangor, Pa., is a social enterprise to leverage art as a healing tool and provide employment opportunities for survivors. Bloom also has a women’s charity boutique, My Sister’s Closet, based in Bethlehem, Pa., offering curated, pre-loved clothing and accessories; and providing employment for survivors, community volunteer opportunities, and financial support for the organization. To learn more about Bloom, visit: www.bloomforwomen.org.

Information provided to TVL by:
Karen Higgins