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3Strands Global Announces Anti-Trafficking Organization Merger with Break Free, Inc.3Strands Global, an organization dedicated to raising funds, building awareness and providing jobs and education to fight human trafficking, today announced their merger with Break Free, Inc. - The Race to End Human Trafficking (formerly Run For Courage), a California-based nonprofit. The organization provides human trafficking education in high schools, middle schools and colleges, while uniting thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations around the cause through local runs in Northern California. "We felt the timing was right to partner with an organization here in the U.S. that shares our vision to end human trafficking," said Ken Petersen, co-founder of 3Strands Global. "We are focused on building a worldwide community of supporters and Break Free provides an incredible model to mobilize local communities through education, local runs, resources and awareness." 3Strands was featured in the documentary "Every Day In Cambodia," A CNN Freedom Project, hosted by Actress Mira Sorvino, the UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for Global Fight against Human Trafficking. The documentary touches on the efforts of Agape International Missions (AIM) and 3Strands, two organizations actively working to rescue and support victims and their communities. The documentary was recently awarded Best Documentary at the 2014 Asian Television Awards. "Through my work with UNODC and survivors around the world, I am keenly aware of the severity of the issue, but also feel heartened by the opportunities before us to help end human trafficking," said Mira Sorvino, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for Global Fight against Human Trafficking. "Through their expanded mission to resource and support organizations across the U.S., I feel 3Strands will not only be global but will make a significant dent in this horrific problem here in our own backyard." 3Strands provides sustainable business initiatives to support human trafficking survivors and at-risk individuals. The organization's primary focus is to provide employment to both rescued and at-risk youth. 3Strands produces and distributes quality handmade products createdby survivors and at-risk individuals, with 100 percent of the profits of product sales going directly to support survivors of human trafficking. Break Free, based in El Dorado Hills, California, provides human trafficking education to thousands of students throughout Northern California and has granted more than $750,000 in funds to 15 beneficiary programs committed to the restoration of survivors and human trafficking prevention efforts. "We set out on a mission to mobilize a community to combat this crime through education, runs, resources and awareness," said Ashlie Bryant, executive director of Break Free. "Education is an important component to fighting this crime and we are proud to say that we have provided Break Free Education in the classroom to more than 7,000 students in our communities. We are prepared to expand our efforts and mission to empower even more youths through education to prevent human trafficking." 3Strands will be hosting community-based Break Free runs and education efforts in seven regions across the U.S., in collaboration with local partners and service organizations. The organization also has plans to expand its employment opportunities in the U.S. and abroad in Nepal, Haiti and India-communities at risk for human trafficking. Over the next year, 3Strands and Break Free are focused on meeting with local leaders and supporters across the U.S. and abroad to raise awareness and funds to support their vision of a world free from human trafficking. "Human trafficking is not OK," said Petersen. "We believe everyone can make a difference, and know there is strength in numbers. We are completely focused on building a worldwide community to end this horrible tragedy." HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH - HOW TO GET INVOLVED Throughout Human Traffic Awareness Month (January 2015), 3Strands invites individuals and organizations to help raise awareness and funds to address the issue of human trafficking. Partners around the world will join 3Strands to say: "It's Not OK" by texting "DOSOMETHING" to 56316 to join the 3Strands community and make a donation. Follow 3Strands Global on Twitter (News - Alert) and Instagram @3StrandsGlobal, and "Like" 3Strands Global on Facebook. Visit www.3strandsglobal.com for more information. ABOUT 3STRANDS GLOBAL At 3Strands Global, the vision is a world free from human trafficking. 3Strands provides jobs, raises funds, builds awareness and provides education and resources to fight human trafficking. Human trafficking and modern day slavery are not OK, and 3Strands believes everyone can make a difference. The organization is supported through the sale of handmade products created in Cambodia and Nepal, community member pledges, events and corporate sponsorships. Through the sale of every 3Strands bracelet created in Cambodia and Nepal, funds are raised to help empower, teach and employ young women. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and philanthropic effort rooted in Sacramento, California, 100 percent of the net profits from 3Strands help support partnering organizations in local communities. Follow 3Strands Global on Instagram and Twitter @3StrandsGlobal, and Facebook. Visit www.3strandsglobal.com for more information. ABOUT BREAK FREE Break Free is a nonprofit established to raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking. Through the organization's education program, Break Free supports prevention efforts by providing funds, creating community awareness and educating middle school, high school and college students about human trafficking. Break Free provides local awareness events, including 5k and 10K races, to mobilize local communities in the fight. Funds raised from these events support a variety of education, awareness and restoration efforts. To date, Break Free has raised more than $750,000 with more than 90 percent of proceeds going directly toward anti-trafficking programs to further the organization's mission. Follow Break Free on Twitter @BreakFreeOrg and Facebook. Visit www.breakfree.org for more information.
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