"...From Surviving To Thriving"

Division of Research and Evidence Based Programming

Bridge to Freedom Foundation (BTFF) is committed to bringing survivors and the nonprofit community the best possible programming. As such, we are committed to conducting core research and developing evidence based programming and continuously striving to further our knowledge base and performance.  Believing that interactions with highly vulnerable populations ethically requires a sound knowledge base and continual lines of inquiry, Bridge to Freedom Foundation’s (BTFF) Division for Research and Evidenced Based Programming has a dual yet complimentary focus.  The Department of Research focuses on academically sound research that incorporates real-world needs and timelines. At the same time, the Department for Evidenced Based Programming seeks to create and assess current programming geared towards at-risk populations, current victims, and survivors of modern-day slavery in all its forms.

Evidenced Based Programming is considered interventions that have been rigorously evaluated for optimal client results. Common in other disciplines, the anti-slavery movement is unfortunately lacking in this type of quality control.

BTFF believes that evidence based programming is more than just an academic or business priority; but that evidence based programming is an ethical issue. When working with a highly vulnerable and traumatized population, BTFF has an ethical responsibility to ensure that the programming and models we create and implement do what they are intended to do and do no harm to the clients or community served.

Personal Development

Bridge to Freedom Foundation's Personal Development Program seeks to give survivors of modern slavery a positive self image, both internally and externally.  The need for a positive self image is present in all individuals, and can often be a daily struggle for anyone, however the need and ability to develop a clear and positive self image, when one has been a victim of any form of abuse is even greater.  One cannot move ahead in life if they do not have confidence in themselves and their abilities.  Confidence comes from within, and can be difficult to attain for many people, however a victim of abuse, is even more prone low self esteem.  Therefore this program will address the individual needs of each survivor in the program to ensure that they receive adequate support based on their individual needs and personality.

Areas the program will often address include; body dimorphic disorder, as it may not be uncommon to have survivors’ who are extremely disassociated with their real body image.  To get a better understanding of a client who may be facing will be asked to draw a self portrait, and other activities, so that we can clearly address the areas which require more attention and focus, as well as evaluate if any additional care or assistance is needed.  If assistance or support is need for which we are unequipped or able to provide, BTFF staff will ensure that the needs of the client are met through a reputable and reliable outside source or partner organization.

Every person deserves and has the right to feel comfortable in their own body, and when one has control of their image, and the confidence in which they are on the outside they can present the person they truly are on the inside and move forward into the careers that they desire and dream of.  Therefore the Personal Development Program will better prepare and enable clients to seek educational and professional development and provide them with the self-worth that they deserve, to take hold of, and advance their lives, to break the cycle of modern slavery and abuse.  The Bridge to Freedom Foundation’s personal development program will truly be one of the first and major steps in bringing clients from surviving to thriving!

 Key Areas the Program seeks to address:

1)      Image development and self esteem building

2)      Etiquette and socialization skills

3)      Wardrobe

4)      Health and Beauty

Professional Development

Bridge to Freedom Foundation's Professional Development Program seeks to guide and assist survivors of modern slavery professionally.  Clients will ideally have gone through our personal development program prior to participating in our Professional Development Program, however this is not a prerequisite and each client will be assessed individually. Breaking the cycle of modern slavery contains many aspects, including the need for survivors to find employment and obtain an alternative income that allows the individuals to thrive.  Therefore the Bridge to Freedom Professional Development Program will provide workshops to prepare individuals for the workforce.  While general jobs searches will be a focus - as many clients will be in a situation where they have little work experience, education or job skills - individual focus and insight will be given to clients to ensure that they find not only work, which provides them with a sustainable income, but that they can grow and thrive both personally and professionally.  Clients will have the opportunity to work with and meet professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds through this program and we will work with them to see that they grow and develop and find the career path that they want to pursue both now and in the future.

The program will begin with an assessment session to discuss the program requirements and expectations.  Our team will assess each individual’s reading, language, math, and job-related skills. Information on their qualifications and employment history will also be obtained to properly create a program suited for each participant. 

Key Areas the Program Seeks to address: 

1. Goal Setting

2. Workplace behavior and etiquette

3. Resume writing techniques

4. Cover Letter assistance

5. Job-searching skills

Bridge to Freedom Foundation is currently working to provide a variety of services to both survivors of modern slavery, and those service organizations which support them. Future Programs include the development of an Education and Scholarship Fund.

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