Community Programs & Events: When You Can't Help Them All

Impact Story

Apr 25

The Freedom Hub seeks to support the work of Himalayan Freedom Co. by developing a support center/guest house as a “hub” for future offices established in Nepal. The Freedom Hub will help the business to further its mission, work, and purpose by setting a foundation for its “10-10-10” vision - 10 new offices in the next 10 years in 10 villages. This strategically placed center will be instrumental in supporting new managers, creating an easier flow of products and materials, and making a more sustainable model for the longevity of each of these future offices. In addition, it will create further exposure, awareness, and reach of the business’ work as guests experience human trafficking prevention in action and become customers or advocates beyond their stay. The Freedom Hub can also result in long-term sustainable financial health for the business and community development for the area, inspiring lasting freedom in more ways than one.

The issue of human trafficking has been a concern for many years and has affected millions of people worldwide. The problem is especially prevalent in countries like Nepal, where poverty is a significant contributing factor. The Himalayan Freedom Co. (HFC) is an accessories and home goods manufacturing company that is working to combat this problem by providing employment opportunities to women who are marginalized, escaping exploitative situations, or are at risk of trafficking. They have a mission to not only produce high-quality products but also to change the lives of the women who make them. HFC provides a family-oriented work environment that empowers women to choose freedom in more ways than one.

However, social impact is also happening in ways not previously predicted. For example, in 2018, HFC opened a village office (Freedom Hub) in Nepal, where they could employ women and provide them with a safe working environment. The opening of the office presented another opportunity for the business to make a difference in the lives of the community's children. Many of the neighbor kids were curious about HFC and began bringing their homework to the office after school for help. What started as a casual activity grew into a large number of students coming for tutoring, with 61 children studying in the office at one time.

The growth of a study program is a testament to Freedom Hub's commitment to the community's well-being. The company's willingness to be open to the community in ways they did not anticipate has resulted in a positive impact on the children's lives. By providing an opportunity for the kids to study, Freedom Hub has given them a chance to improve their lives and break the cycle of poverty that fuels human trafficking.

Freedom Hub understands that they can’t single-handedly employ and care for everyone in the community. Yet they do want the community to know how they are interested in the good of the community as a whole. In the Christmas season of 2022, Freedom Hub threw a community party where 575 attended. Political leaders and influential people from the surrounding area came for the program which included a feast, singing and dancing by the staff, a skit put on by the kids that came for tutoring, large group games, and a gift distribution. Through special donations, they were able to provide portable solar lights to the adults and school kits to the kids that were in attendance. It was a great way for their business to help everyone in the community.

The impact from these programs and events is more than just having their presence known in the community, but one that shows they are there for the long haul and interested in the overall good of the community. There can be jealousy in that they cannot hire everyone, so they hope things like this reminds people that they are not seeking their own profit but theirs.

Their 10-10-10 vision will help them create more opportunities for predicted social impact along with more unpredicted community programs and events, helping as many as possible when they can’t help them all.