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As we close out 2021, we look back with so much thankfulness and gratitude. It was another difficult year, but we are continually reminding ourselves the most beautiful way to start and end each day is with a grateful heart. As 2021 comes to a close, we want to reflect upon our present blessings.
Thank you to each of you that has come alongside Free To Fly. Because of YOU, in 2021 we were able to increase our support and reach from 2020 by over 400%. A special thank you to Skintastik, who donated 20% of their October proceeds to Free To Fly. You are incredible and much appreciated.
THANK YOU!
2021 started immediately out of the gate in January with emergency assistance to a survivor and their children for emergency housing assistance, as well as basics like food and gas. In February we were able to provide support to another survivor who was in a program with a partner non-profit organization for branding tattoo removals. In February, March, and April, we partnered with Sisters of the Streets to provide emergency assistance to several survivors and their children. Throughout May, June, and July we focused on our Disneyland and Culinary Experience with Tiffany's Place. As Summer was coming to a close, and Fall was quickly approaching, we kicked off our Back-to-School Laptop Campaign to provide brand new laptops for youth survivors of human trafficking so they may have their very own computer to help support them on their journey to finish high school and beyond. In September and October, we provided support to partner non-profit organization StolenYouth with their Backpack Drive to fill one hundred backpacks for vulnerable youth in and around King County, Washington who are being exploited, as well as providing financial support to a survivor entering in-patient rehab treatment. In November and early December, we partnered with non-profit organization REST to provide housing assistance for a survivor as they work to transition to housing of their own. During this same period, we also assisted two survivors with relocating out of state, completed our second annual Sponsor a Child this Christmas outreach with Tiffany's Place, and donated beauty items to non-profit organization GEMS to fill a hundred and twenty gift bags.
In addition to the specific support mentioned above, throughout 2021 we were able to continue providing general giving and emergency assistance when requested, never saying "No". This included mentorship classes, beauty bags, laptops for continuing education, program goal-based incentives, emergency shelter, financial assistance for housing, and basics like food, gas, and the many needs required for survival.
In 2021 we also started our bi-weekly youth and adolescent survivor mentorship program which covers a wide range of topics and guest speakers. A special thank you to our recent guest speakers, Dr. Maureen Pierce, David Garlock, and Rayanne Irving.
It is with a grateful heart we say thank you to all of you who have come alongside Free To Fly. 2021 was filled with blessings and we are looking forward to all the blessings coming in 2022.