Free Bird Initiative is a branch of Abide Ministries that exists to provide practical care and life skills support for survivors of human trafficking and those at risk to show them they are seen and loved.
Shannon Sloan
Branch Leader
About Free Bird Initiative
We are faced with the tragic truth that the United States ranks as one of the worst countries in the world for human trafficking. Individuals from any class, religion, culture, or ethnic group can become targets and often are trafficked by their own families or people in positions of trust.
Traffickers often manipulate a person’s isolation, substance use or dependency in addition to using violence and threats. Both immigrants and US Citizens are victims of sex trafficking. Thankfully, there are many organizations who are finding and rescuing trafficking victims… but what happens to them after they are rescued?
Free Bird Initiative was created because of a deep love for trafficking survivors that God put in the heart of Shannon Sloan. Shannon has experience working with survivors starting from age 3 years old and up in The Philippines, Nepal and The United States. Through her experience, she has learned that every survivor has different needs during their healing journey that can keep them trapped in a cycle of shame, fear or dependence in unhealthy situations.
Trauma varies for each person and can affect any aspect of their life: daily functioning, emotional wellbeing, relationships, self-image, goal setting and follow through, mental health and physical health. Free Bird Initiative will meet survivors where they are, taking time to listen and explore the support they need as they move toward healing. It could be as simple as helping them buy groceries if they are struggling or as complex as finding them a new living situation if they don’t feel safe where they are at. By giving to Free Bird Initiative, you are helping survivors know that they are loved, cared for and supported. They may be rescued, but you are helping them become free!
Free Bird Initiative was named in honor of these bible verses:
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?” Matthew 6:26 NLT
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36 NIV
Donate to Free Bird Initiative
In order to help Free Bird Initiative provide care to survivors and those at-risk of human trafficking,, we invite you to make a one-time or recurring donation which will be designated toward the work of our branch Free Bird Initiative. All gifts given are tax deductible. Abide Ministries partners with Donorbox to enable donors to make one time and recurring donations, while allowing them to manage their own giving in a safe, secure, and reliable environment.
ONLINE GIFTS
Online gifts can be made using the form on this page, or at https://donorbox.org/freebirdinitiative. You can make one-time or recurring gifts using credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. All transactions are processed through Donorbox (a Stripe partner) for the highest level of security and convenience. Once you make a gift, you can manage your gift at www.donorbox.org.
CHECK GIFTS
Check gifts can be made out to: Abide Ministries and sent to PO Box 101, Clawson, MI 48017.
Please add “Free Bird Initiative” to the memo line of all check gifts. For any questions regarding giving, please email [email protected].
STOCK / MUTUAL FUND GIFTS
Most U.S. brokerage firms can quickly and easily transfer your gift of stock or mutual funds to Free Bird Initiative electronically. Click here for details to give to your broker.
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are age 70 1⁄2 or older, you can make gifts from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to Free Bird Initiative without paying income tax on the withdrawal. Click here for instructions on how to make an IRA Charitable Rollover.