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, recently welcomed nearly 80 attendees, including local lawmakers, government officials and community leaders, to its inaugural Legislative Breakfast: “Shared Dreams. Different Barriers. United for Change!”

Held at The Dime Restaurant in Allentown, the event launched Bloom’s advocacy initiatives and created space for a powerful, solution-driven conversation around human trafficking in the Lehigh Valley. Attendees included U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, PA State Representative Milou Mackenzie, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski, Fire Deputy District Attorney Robert Eyer and Allentown Chief of Police Charles Roca.

Representatives from five additional elected officials’ offices were also present, underscoring strong bipartisan support for survivor advocacy and anti-trafficking efforts in the region. These included individuals from the offices of U.S. Senator John Fetterman, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, PA Senator Nick Miller, PA Senator Lisa Boscola and PA Senator Jarrett Coleman.

Attendees heard from Bloom CEO Carol Andersen and Outreach Manager Sheniqua Mitchell, U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, and Homeland Security Special Agent Ashley Fernandez, who shared critical insights into the local and national landscape of trafficking, and the urgent need for collaborative, systemic responses.

A powerful highlight of the morning was the unveiling of Bloom’s Barrier Wall Project – a moving, survivor-created art installation illustrating the many barriers faced by survivors, such as stigma, trauma, housing insecurity, criminal records and debt. The wall then opened to the Wall of Dreams offering a vision of hope, stability and restored futures.

The event concluded with a deeply moving reading of “The Weight of Walls,” a collaborative poem written by several of Bloom’s survivors. Their voices offered an honest and emotional reflection on the journey from captivity to healing – and a call to action for those in the room to stand with them.

“We cannot do this work alone,” said Carol Andersen, CEO of Bloom. “Preventing trafficking, protecting victims, healing and empowering survivors, and holding traffickers accountable all require strong public policy, sustainable funding and a united commitment from lawmakers, advocates and our community. Survivors are gaining their voices – and we must make sure they are heard.”

About Bloom for Women

Bloom for Women Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit organization with the mission of providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. To learn more about Bloom, visit: bloomforwomen.org.