I am not speaking out about Breaking Free for petty revenge. I don't believe in revenge. I believe in positive change.
I am not speaking out about Breaking Free because I'm bitter or disgruntled. Breaking Free treated me decently when I was involved with them but I witnessed things that concerned me deeply.
I am not speaking out about Breaking Free because I hate Vednita Carter and think she's a straight up villain. To the contrary, Vednita has accomplished many great things, especially her contributions to the national dialogue about prostitution and sex trafficking. In this discussion of Breaking Free we cannot forget the positive things she and Breaking Free have done.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free because the organization is harming victims of prostitution and sexual exploitation.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free because many survivors and staff members are not able to do so due to fear of retaliation, of losing their jobs, and/or of losing their housing.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free for the individuals and funders who have given their hard-earned money and time to the organization.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free because victims in Minnesota deserve better.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free because the organization needs to make lasting change to help victims or close its doors so another agency can do so.
I am speaking out about Breaking Free because silence equals consent.
I am a former employee of Breaking Free, and I witnessed so many unethical and harmful things while I was there. I was eventually fired for speaking out about it. Very specifically, they have recently kicked out a former employee/client who had been working for them for 5+ years. She was a survivor and struggled with substance abuse. Well, because Breaking Free kicked her out of their "permanent housing," she is back on the street risking her life. I don't even have the words to describe how angry and disgusted I am by them.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to write up a complaint to the attorney general about them right now, would you be interested in contributing?
I'm sorry to hear about this. I think I know who you're talking about and it breaks my heart because this person had done so much for Breaking Free and is a wonderful person. I feel sick.
DeleteThere have been several complaints to the Attorney General and they don't seem to have changed anything but I still encourage you to make a complaint. I'd also suggest talking to Breaking Free's grant manager at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs. Her name is Lou Powell.
I'm 99% sure I know who you are due to your username, so please email me at breakingfreetruth@gmail.com. If you're that person, you know me as well. We have a friend and coworker in common.