District Attorney Jim Martin announced an upcoming visit from Rev. Becca Stevens, of Nashville, Tenn., an author, speaker, Episcopal priest, founder and president of a nonprofit recovery model (Thistle Farms) that helps women survivors of human trafficking.

In 2019 in an effort to better combat human trafficking in Lehigh County and to aid its victims; a team of Lehigh Valley stakeholders led by Martin visited Thistle Farms in Nashville, Tenn. The trip was generously funded by The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust.

Martin has invited Stevens, a founder of Thistle Farms, to visit the Lehigh Valley area Sept. 26 and 27 to meet with community leaders and others to educate the local community about human trafficking victims and the Thistle Farms model.

Martin is working in partnership with the Leonard Parker Pool Institute of Health to highlight the work being done around human trafficking and to coordinate the different efforts occurring throughout the Lehigh Valley. This visit also provides an opportunity to engage the community.

The Thistle Farms’ recovery model is a two-year program that includes housing, health care, counseling, employment and other support for women who have a history of being trafficked and in many cases have an alcohol and/or substance use disorder.

Thistle Farm residents are also offered free comprehensive mental and physical health care as well as free job training and/or continued education that connects survivors to a sustainable income.

The visit of Rev. Stevens is being graciously funded by The Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health. District Attorney Martin expresses his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Institute for its help in this endeavor.