Learning about the human trafficking crisis
Turning 21 is a milestone birthday. And the average college student spends their birthday celebrating at parties with friends. Breaking the mold, North Central junior Hannah Foster is looking forward to celebrating her 21st birthday in a unique way—one that makes an impact.
Shortly after her 20th birthday last December, Hannah became increasingly aware of the horrors of human trafficking within the Twin Cities. As a St. Paul native and Minneapolis college student, she decided to take personal responsibility to inform others about the injustice going on in the Twin Cities.
Celebrating by making an impact
The Roseville (Minn.) native is studying youth development. Foster is on the dean’s list and also serves as a captain of the cross country team. What compels this incredibly busy college student to focus all of her time and attention on such a complex cause? Foster recalls being nudged by God to raise money and awareness.
Rather than asking for cards and presents for her birthday on December 2, Hannah started rallying friends, family, classmates and community members to join her in raising $21,000 for Source Annex, a Minneapolis based anti-human trafficking organization that exists to provide rehabilitation and holistic after care for former victims. Though her reason for choosing $21,000 may seem directly correlated to her age, there is additional meaning behind the goal.
“According to the Polaris Project, there are 21 million men, women and children being trafficked worldwide,” said Foster. “Here’s what is crazy, though. Once I met with Source Annex, they told me it costs $1,800 a month for a woman and her child to participate in their program. That’s just over $21,000 for one year!”
Help Hannah meet her goal
Interested in partnering with Hannah to raise $21,000 to provide holistic aftercare for a woman and child rescued from sex trafficking? There are multiple ways to get involved!
- Pray and Fast November 11- December 2, Hannah and her team are launching a 21-day prayer and fasting campaign. Text “FIGHT” to 41411 and follow them on Instagram at 21 Fight for Freedom for weekly prayer points.
- Contribute Financially Consider investing $21 (or more) toward Hannah’s $21,000 goal! Visit her website for more information.
- Shop for a Cause 21 Fight for Freedom has strategically partnered with an NCU student and an NCU alum to raise funds and help you with your holiday shopping!
- Anna Walters, founder of The Mint Bee, a grass roots initiative that leverages art to raise funds—as well as create conversations and connect people to local anti-human trafficking organizations— has agreed to donate her proceeds from the month of November to 21 Fight for Freedom! Check out her paintings, prints and stamps online at themintbee.com and on Instagram at @the.mint.bee!
- North Central Alum Jayson Bronkhorst started a clothing company called Valued Apparel, and for the month of November, $5 from every T shirt sale will go directly to Hannah’s cause. Visit valuedclothing.com and follow @valuedclothing on Instagram for more information!
