As the day went on, we could see other people cleaning out the apartment that had been destroyed in the fire on Monday. All we found out was the family was temporarily staying at a hotel until they were able to move into a new unit.
Tonight we helped set up chairs and decorations for a Breaking Free graduation ceremony. The graduation was held to recognize clients of Breaking Free who had successfully completed the program, and had "broken free" from their previous lifestyle involving prostitution.
All of the speakers emphasized that women do not choose to be involved in prostitution, but are taken advantage of, and because of unfortunate circumstances, are forced into the lifestyle. Miss Joy, one of the Breaking Free staff members, introduced all of the women. They were asked to say whatever they would like to say about their experience at Breaking Free. Some women were more talkative than others, but they all appeared grateful for the help they had received. Many of the women's eyes welled up with tears as they thanked their family, friends and mentors for helping them break free.
A story that stood out was from a former graduate. She had been in and out of the program for six years, and has made some great strides and successes along the way. She has positive relationships with her children, has been promoted in her job, is graduating college and starting an internship as a medical assistant this summer.
It was so empowering to see how with the right amount of assistance, and the support of women who believe in them, the graduates at Breaking Free are able to move forward in their lives. Miss Joy emphasized that even if something happens where the women slip back into their previous lifestyles, they are always welcome to come back to Breaking Free. That open community gives these women the support they need to improve their lives.
After the graduation, we went to a Latin-Fusion restaurant called Chino Latino to celebrate Adrianna's 20th birthday. We had planned to go to that restaurant all day, but little did we know, Lisa, Adrianna's mom, had called ahead to make some special arrangements for the birthday girl. She paid for our dinner and arranged for a special dessert – a giant Buddha Banana Split. Thanks Lisa!
Overall, the day was productive, empowering and ended with a celebration of food, friends and laughter. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Members at Adrianna's birthday dinner.
Members of the trip at Mickey's Diner in St. Paul - the diner in the movie "The Mighty Ducks."
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