top of page
BF_StarterKit_Final_Pattern1 copy.png

About

Our story is one of necessity but resilience.

A story, more three decades long, of a community coming together to support survivors and end sex trafficking and exploitation.

Street Outreach_Navy.png

OUR JOURNEY

30 Years of Progress: A Transformative Journey

Since 1996, Breaking Free has been a lifeline for survivors, providing essential care, support services, and education with dignity and compassion. With a survivor-centered approach, we work alongside frontline responders and the public to prevent trafficking and create lasting, transformative change.

 

When Breaking Free first began, the issue of sex trafficking was largely misunderstood, often seen through the lens of personal choice rather than systemic exploitation. Over time, advocacy and survivor-led voices have reshaped public understanding, shifting the focus from short-term assistance to long-term stability. Our model has evolved beyond immediate needs-based services to a holistic approach that prioritizes safety, stability, and economic independence. Today, we empower survivors not only by meeting urgent needs but by fostering opportunities for self-determination, education, and leadership.

 

A key part of our evolution has been addressing the root causes of trafficking and the systems that enable it. Our work now directly confronts demand, engaging with men through education and accountability programs while advocating for stronger policies that prevent exploitation. Through community training and prevention efforts, we are not just responding to trafficking—we are working to stop it before it begins.

This work is only possible because of a growing movement of ordinary people who stand with survivors and invest in a future where they can thrive. Every dollar raised provides safe housing, trauma-informed care, and pathways to independence. As we step into 2025, the needs of survivors continue to evolve, demanding a more holistic and urgent response. While our look has changed, our mission remains the same: To end all forms of sex trafficking and exploitation while creating pathways for survivors to build safe, stable futures. We are renewing our efforts to fulfill this mission with greater impact, deeper support, and unwavering dedication.

Join us. Together, we can create a future free from sex trafficking.

Photo-banner-home.jpg

Get to Know Us

We are a dedicated team supporting survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Meet our staff, board members and advisors.

Grid-lines-BG.png

Our Impact Map (Coming soon!)

We provide safe, stable housing for survivors and their children across the greater Twin Cities area through three master-leased buildings in Saint Paul and partnerships with landlords in Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties.

We are committed to transparency and showcasing the impact of our work. Our creative team is currently developing an interactive impact map to highlight our reach and the lives we’ve touched—stay tuned!

Total years of experience

29

Hygiene kits distributed in 2024

1,008

Survivors supported in 2024

267

Individuals trained in 2024

1,200

Transparency first.

Transparency is important to us. We strive to use donor funds responsibly and effectively, which is why we hire a third-party accounting first to conduct annual audits every year. View our reports to see how funds are used. 

bottom of page