The need: a transformative sanctuary for victims of human trafficking in Utah
We believe victims and survivors of human trafficking and exploitation deserve healing, dignity and opportunity.
Provide victims of trafficking and exploitation a proven path forward
Our Model
Our model is based on the successful residential & treatment program of Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN. It has 25 years of experience and a further 57 independent residential sister programs across the U.S. following the model.
Our Motto
Love heals. Love is the most powerful force for good in the world
Our Mission
Provide a home-like residence offering a safe and nurturing environment to empower women on a path to self-sufficiency
Under our model, 75% of graduates live successful, financially independent lives 5 years after graduation
Utah is a hotspot of human trafficking
One of 10 worst states in the US
Utah ranks as one of the highest per capita rates of calls into the National Trafficking Hotline
251 Utah victims and growing
In 2019, there were 251 known victims in Utah
Polaris Project estimates human trafficking has grown by 40% during the pandemic
Police say “not even the tip of the iceberg”
On March 24, 2022, 24 people were arrested in Utah sex trafficking operation.
In October 2021, a Bountiful man was charged with multiple felony charges of human trafficking.
In September 2021, the AG’s office busted 6 massage parlors exploiting young women in Utah and SLC counties
in December 2020, a sex trafficking bust resulted in 18 Weber County arrests
Human trafficking is second to drug trade in criminal activity at $150 billion per year and growing
A proven model of care
Aspen Magdalene House is Utah’s first organization to join the Thistle Farm National Network.
We will be the first in Utah to implement the successful Thistle Farms model!
There are already 57 open residential programs in the network nation-wide with 35 more in development. We are joining a vast network of support and success!
3-pronged approach
75% are living successful, financially independent lives 5 years after graduation
Safe Housing
Aspen House will provide free shelter, care and trauma healing for over 2 years
Meaningful Employment
A social enterprise teaches residents valuable skills and encourages self-sufficiency
Lifelong Support
Surrounded by a sisterhood of love and support that lasts a lifetime
Help us give victims and survivors
the opportunity to be healed in Utah
Meet Brandy and Brittney
Brittany and Brandy are two Utah women who survived being sex trafficked and are helping lead Aspen House development.
Anyone can fall victim to human trafficking. However, vulnerable populations with little social and legal protection are most at risk. 70% are women and risk may be higher where more extreme gender discrimination exists.
Thistle Farms is a survivor led organization.
Working together to improve lives in Utah
The Aspen Magdalene Board is a working board made up of community and industry leaders and volunteers who believe we must do better in caring for Utah’s victims of human trafficking.
We kicked off with our first public event, a ‘lunch and learn.” on October 7, 2021.