Love donating to this amazing organization. It’s such a great thing knowing my donation goes to someone who is in direct need.
The work being done by this organization is so profoundly important. Young girls and women around the world receive the opportunity for betterment in their lives through the efforts the courageous volunteers who empower them and in the process provide them with skills to create beautiful jewelry that is just stunningly inspiring to wear. Their comprehensive approach to serving is unparalleled and that’s why this is my all-time favorite nonprofit organization.
I first heard about the remarkable work International Sanctuary does transforming lives of women who victims of human trafficking through a friend who is a volunteer leader in the organization whose dedication and commitment impressed me deeply. I became a donor last year. Recently, I attended International Sanctuary’s gala where we heard from the organization’s leaders about the impressive growth of the organization in helping women around the world and from a woman who had escaped from being trafficked here in the U.S. It was a moving and inspirational event that presented International Sanctuary’s major achievements to-date. Most importantly, it was a clarion call for all of us to support the organization’s lifesaving work.
I am a fundraising professional with almost 30 years experience. I can say with great confidence that International Sanctuary does a great job telling their story and honoring donor giving intent. Integrity is the word that comes to mind when I think of IS. Strong leadership supported by programs that fulfill their mission. Giving to International Sanctuary is a great investment in hope and a brighter future for those they serve.
The story of International Sanctuary is a beautiful example of seeing a need and then actually doing something to help. Human trafficking is a horrific crime against humanity that takes a vulnerable population of people and exploits them for profit.
The two young women who started International Sanctuary/PURPOSE Jewelry believed that if you give women the tools to break the cycle of trafficking, you could give them hope, dignity and freedom. And they accomplish this by teaching the women escaping human trafficking how to make jewelry. I have worked at PURPOSE Jewelry for years and I see firsthand the lives that are being impacted through this organization. The women are not only being empowered by being paid a fair wage, they are receiving an education, healthcare and emotional support. It is a healthy community and the women make a beautiful product they can be proud of. It is really rewarding to be a part of such a great organization!
I started volunteering with Purpose Jewelry in Irvine 4-5 years ago because I wanted to make a difference in survivors’ lives. This organization gives them the skills to have the best chance of putting that experience behind them for a brighter future. I love the idea that the women make this beautiful jewelry and they receive a fair wage along with life skills training. I volunteer for whatever tasks are needed when I come every week. I feel appreciated and needed.
About seven years ago I became familiar with International Sanctuary when I bought some gorgeous Purpose Jewelry at a church event where I taught school. From that point on, I became a freedom supporter for these women trying to eke out a new life after surviving human trafficking. A year later I retired and was asked if I was interested in tutoring reading one hour a week to a survivor in Mumbai via video conferencing. Tutoring became the highlight of my week until we stopped during Covid. Once we started up again, I opted to be a substitute tutor which I still volunteer for today. Additionally, I became involved in Purpose Jewelry event sales including selling jewelry at the church I attend, other churches, and additional organizations supportive of freedom for these women. Periodically, I volunteer to help at the headquarters in Irvine by sorting, tagging, or inspecting jewelry, and tomorrow will be my first attempt at fulfillment. The fight for freedom is vital for these women, and the jewelry they make is exquisite. International Sanctuary is their answer to becoming free through education, emotional support, and self-fulfillment by becoming financially independent.
I have been a volunteer for the past few months with International
Sanctuary. I am in awe of the employees and volunteers of the genuine love and attention to every little detail, that goes into all planning, quality control, ordering, inventorying, sorting, and packaging their beautiful jewelry, and all while enjoying what they do.
The jewelry is handmade with love and sincere devotion from women who have been human trafficked. Each piece has its own special sparkle and beauty, and is truly a work of art. God Is good.
After volunteering for a couple years in many roles, my husband and I started to donate on a regular basis. I have seen first hand that they do what they say they will do with our donation- bring dignity and hope and independence to women through meaningful employment and safe community. I proudly wear the beautiful and fashion forward jewelry created by the survivors as well, and am happy to spread the word where I got it so as to encourage others to support the organization and the work it does.
So I have been surprising my wife with jewelry for years. I have always purchased necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces from local jewelers and online. I randomly came across Purpose Jewelry online by searching for non profit jewelry companies. I bought the Chevron necklace for my wife and she absolutely loved it. After I mentioned to her where I got the necklace she looked up Purpose Jewelry online. She learned what there mission was and actually started to tear up. She told me about her friend that was trafficked when she was younger and was amazed to see a company like International Sanctuary and Purpose Jewelry and their mission. Since then, my wife has been asking me to buy my jewelry only from Purpose now. She loves the style and everything about what these companies stand for. Cheers!
This incredible non profit doesn't provide handouts - they provide jobs, education/skills, and a loving community so that survivors of trafficking are able to live truly free - fully independent, dignified, lives. They do whatever it takes, customizing their program to support each women on her individual journey to freedom. They break the cycle of exploitation and change the lives of families and communities and generations to come.
This amazing organization is doing everything they can to support women who have been rescued from Human Trafficking. I had the pleasure of attending their 15 year gala last month and what a great history. It was so nice hearing from their program director and local survivor. Definitely a mission to get behind. They also have a beautiful jewelry line that is all handmade by their women. What's not to love!