Fifteen years ago in Nashville Tennessee, Rev. Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest started an organization called Magdalene House.
Magdalene stands as a witness to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets.
More below, so squiggle with me.
Tonight there was a fundraising event on the campus of Vanderbilt University.
Current residents of Magdalene House, women who have struggled through abuse, addiction, prison, and prostitution told their stories of recovery.
One of my favorites, John Prine was on the program, and I got to meet him in person. He sang Angel from Montgomery.
Magdalene House started its own social enterprise, Thistle Farms about seven years ago:
Thistle Farms is the social enterprise that is run by the women of Magdalene. By hand, the women create natural bath and body products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body. Purchases of Thistle Farms products directly benefit the women who made them.
Thistle Farms employs 32 Magdalene residents or graduates. While working at Thistle Farms, women learn skills in manufacturing, packaging, marketing and sales and administration. It is a supportive workplace where women acquire the skills they need to earn a living wage. Employees have the opportunity to put a percentage of their earnings in a matched savings account. Through Thistle Farms, the women of Magdalene gain much needed job skills, and learn responsibility and cooperation.
Thistle Farms is just beginning to market their excellent, handmade body-care products and paper products nationally, including at some Whole Foods stores. Look for a store here.
A couple of years ago, NPR did a series of stories on Magdalene house. You can listen here. The stories portray powerfully and honsestly both the successes and failures of the program, so be prepared.
Sister programs at various stages are getting started around the country. Magdalene House in Charleston, SC goes by the same name, while programs in New Orleans, St. Louis, and other places are using the same model with different names. If you live in those places, this is a great organization to help.
Thanks for reading.