Thrive Professionals:
We finally want to highlight our third non-profit organization "Thistle Farms". What an amazing group of ladies who have learned to triumphed in spite of it all. I had the opportunity to visit the manufacturing office of the Thistle Farmers. This is a wonderful facility located on Charlotte Pike in Nashville, TN. When I arrived we all set in a circle for their morning meditation. At this time each lady responded to the reading/thought of the day. They were able to reflect on what that reading meant to them or just share a personal thought for the day. I was so moved and inspired by the words and testimonies of these ladies. They even allowed all visitors and volunteers to participate and the only thought in my mind was "gratefulness". I was so grateful to experience the meditation as well as grateful for the creation of the program.
After the morning meditation, I toured the facility and these women explained what their daily responsibilities were at the company. I learned how they make the spa products to how they take orders. It is a wonderful facility just filled with love.
The story of Thistle Farms begins with the Magdalene program. Founded in 1997 by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest on Vanderbilt's campus, Magdalene is a residential program for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. Thistle Farms is their social enterprise. They provide 27 housing residents for these women. After four months of this program, these women find work, return to school and/or enter Magdalene's job training program Thistle Farms. The women who remain in recovery for two years post graduation become eligible for a new home buying program.
I find this program well rounded for these ladies and prepares them for the rest of their life. We as spa, salon, and wellness professionals can get involved and make a difference in their lives. They wholesale this product to our industry and the proceeds go directly back into the program. I am proud to say that Relache Spa at Gaylord Opryland is carrying Thistle Farms as a way to give back to this organization.
So come on board and join Relache Spa along with several other locations in helping these women start a new life. For more information please contact their volunteer coordinator Stacye at stacye@thistlefarms.org or go to their website www.thistlefarms.org.
Thriving Together!
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