SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Freedom Finder is a local non-profit that seeks to help victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking here in Northwest Arkansas. This week marked its one-year anniversary of providing a safe space in the community for victims.
“When they are looking for a way out, we help them escape,” the founder of Freedom Finder said. We help them get to safety, help them navigate, to get to other resources, help them connect with law enforcement, and work with the judicial system here in Northwest Arkansas as well as across the state.”
The founder, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the idea to start Freedom Finders came after getting her and her family out of a domestic violence situation years ago. She said during that time, finding a place to go was hard.
"I'm a survivor of abuse. And I saw firsthand the need for shelter when you're trying to escape a violent situation,” the founder said. “When I had to leave, I had kids and animals that needed to be safe, and there was no place for any of us to go.”
In addition to providing shelter, the founder said the group also provides storage spaces for belongings and shelter for pets caught in the middle of the situation.
She said it is an incredibly humbling experience to help people in their moments of crisis.
“We sit with them and hear their stories and help them navigate to safety and hopefully help change the course of their lives and then their family's lives,” Freedom Finder’s founder said.
The founder said over the last year, Freedom Finder provided 300 overnight stays for people hoping to escape domestic violence. She said they get between 10-20 calls each day with people seeking help.
She added that there is still a stigma for domestic abuse survivors.
“Abuse is something that we don't know how to handle, because it's so hard,” she said. “It's so much easier to step away and be like ‘I don't really want to talk about that’, but if we don't talk about it, then it just continues from generation to generation.
The organization hopes to expand over the coming years and serve larger communities than just those surrounding Washington and Benton counties.
According to the founder, private businesses and organizations in Northwest Arkansas have provided places for people to stay, food, and resources to help the organization.
“We need shelter, food, and clothing,” the founder said. “Our community here has really risen up and said, ‘Hey, we want to help’. and it's been amazing.”
The founder added that there is still hope after getting out of an abusive situation.
“It's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you're getting out,” the founder said. “But there is light.”
For those looking for more information or ways to donate, you can visit their website.
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