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How a bath and body company fights human trafficking
Published 2008 GMT (0408 HKT) November 29, 2016
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Top 10 CNN Hero for 2016 Becca Stevens helps women escape prostitution, trafficking and drug use in Nashville, Tennessee, offering them shelter, therapy and work making bath and body products. Kristina Krug for CNN
Thistle Farms, her nonprofit, allows women to stay at residential centers for two years at no cost. Kristina Krug for CNN
The group provides medical and dental care, therapy, substance abuse treatment, legal help and education. Kristina Krug for CNN
Thistle Farms is also a $2 million company that employs more than 75 people -- two-thirds of whom are graduates of the residential program. Kristina Krug for CNN
Stevens experienced years of abuse herself, and she holds that in common with many of the women who pass through Thistle Farms. Kristina Krug for CNN
"Those scars are deep, but it doesn't have to be the end of the story," said Stevens, an Episcopal priest. Kristina Krug for CNN
Stevens sees the roots of sexual trafficking, prostitution and addiction in childhood abuse. She tries to address the causes of trauma with programs at Thistle Farms. Kristina Krug for CNN
Stevens plays a game with staff and residents of Magdalene, one of Thistle Farms' residential facilities. Kristina Krug for CNN
Stevens shares a hug with a resident of Magdalene. Kristina Krug for CNN
Stevens works to create a close atmosphere with workers and staff at the Thistle Farms production facility. Kristina Krug for CNN
