Bloom Receives Critical Grants Supporting Emergency Home Repairs for Survivors of Sex Trafficking & Exploitation

[July 14, 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, is deeply grateful to several local foundations and donors for their generous support in helping to complete two major emergency home repair projects at its structured residential and transitional homes, Heather House and Lily House.

Thanks to a grant from the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF), including funding from the Peter Barter and Linda Bartera Fund and additional community funders, Bloom was able to respond swiftly to an urgent plumbing failure at Heather House. The original cast iron main wastewater pipe—now decades old—had deteriorated to the point of being completely unusable. This unexpected crisis required the temporary relocation of all residents for seven days while the pipe was replaced.

“We are so thankful that a contractor was available on short notice and that LVCF and the Peter Barter and Linda Bartera Fund helped us with this emergency project,” said Carol Andersen, Bloom’s CEO. “The work is now complete, the residents are back home, and the plumbing is functioning as normal. This was a major, unforeseen need—and our community showed up.”

At Lily House, a long-term leak in the upstairs bathtub was causing water to drip into the first-floor kitchen, making the shower and tub unusable. With the support of a grant from the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation, Bloom was able to replace the bathtub, shower surround, and tile, giving the bathroom a clean, fresh look. The contractor also installed a new toilet, vanity, flooring, and a tall storage cabinet—offering much-needed space and a renewed sense of dignity for the women who live there.

“These homes are more than buildings—they are places of healing, growth, and restoration for women survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation,” added Andersen. “Thanks to the generosity of our funding partners, our participants have safe, working, and beautiful spaces to call home.”

Bloom is committed to providing sanctuary, healing, and hope to women on their journey to recovery. Emergency home repairs like these are essential to ensuring a safe and stable environment—and are only possible through the generosity of our community.

 

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