Behind the Brand
Mission: PURPOSE Jewelry’s mission is to empower girls and young women escaping human trafficking to embrace their true identity and worth.
About: We were founded in 2007 to provide hope, dignity, and freedom to women escaping human trafficking. Our nonprofit organization has grown to five locations globally (India, Uganda, Mexico, the United States, and the Philippines). Each Sanctuary provides young women the tools they need to rebuild their lives. We provide income, health, education and community, filling the gap between rescue and restoration.
Our Program: International Sanctuary's program activities and outcome goals are planned according to four pillars of personal and economic development: Income, Education, Health Care, and Community. The art of craftsmanship through our social enterprise, PURPOSE, paired with holistic care through our program ensures that every woman gains hope, dignity and freedom for the future.
Our Story: Co-Founders, Stephanie Pollaro and Wendy Dailey, both saw first hand the atrocities of human trafficking and asked, “What can we do?” What was needed was a safe and loving workplace where girls could earn a living and gain skills to build their futures. Stephanie moved to Mumbai, India, teaching the art of jewelry making directly to survivors, while Wendy, based in Orange County, California, began educating the community about human trafficking, selling the handcrafted jewelry, and growing the non-profit. There was a gap between rescue and true freedom that International Sanctuary began to fill. The model worked and the supporter base grew as new anti-trafficking partners around the world articulated the need for jobs for girls and women.“The happiest day of my life was when I received my first salary from International Sanctuary. It made me financially independent, and I finally had the freedom to choose.” - Kiara*, Mumbai Sanctuary.