Thistle Farms and Magdalene

My knowledge of women beauty and skin care products is very limited. I do however recognize when something great is happening. This is the case with a company called Thistle Farms. I noticed Thistle Farms as a company whose products I sell on my stores web page (Emmaus Road Christian Store). I thought perhaps it would be a good thing to do some research on the company, have my wife and daughter buy some of the products, and then perhaps at a later time for them to write about the features and benefits of the products. My intention is to give you information about Thistle Farms and an organization called Magdalene.

Thistle Farms began their operations in 2001 as a cottage business of Magdalene, a two-year residential community founded by Reverend Becca Stevens for women with a history of prostitution and drug addiction. By hand, “the women create natural bath and body products that are as kind to the environment as they are to the body.” Again, being of the male species, I don’t know much about “being kind to the body” part but my wife and daughter will let us know later. All sales proceeds go back into supporting the residents of Magdalene. Through Thistle Farms, the women of Magdalene gain much-needed job skills and learn responsibility and cooperation. Into every product goes the belief that true freedom starts with healing and that love can change lives. The dream of Thistle Farms is that people will come to see Thistle Farms as a humble but powerful business that is synonymous with women’s freedom.

Magdalene we founded not just to help a sub-culture of women, but to help change the larger culture itself. Magdalene stands in solidarity with women who are recovering from sexual abuse, violence, life on the streets, and who have paid dearly for a culture that buys and sells women like commodities. At no cost, Magdalene offers women a safe, disciplined, and compassionate community for two years, paid for by the gifts received from individuals and private grants. Magdalene stands as a witness to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets.

Between the Magdalene residents and the affiliates (those who live in their own housing and the women in safe housing), Magdalene provides services for 30-35 women at any given time. Over a hundred women have come and lived for two years in the past decade and through their safe house and outreach programs. Since Magdalene opened their doors, 75% of the women who stay after their introductory period of 30 days, complete the program and graduate. The program draws women from all over the United States and Honduras. Presently there are programs in Charleston, Chattanooga and in North Carolina.

Women with a criminal history of prostitution and addiction are invited to stay up to two years in one of their homes rent free, in a community with other residents and no live-in staff. During their stay, Magdalene provides a plan that is individualized for each woman that includes medical care, therapy, opportunities for addiction recovery, education and employment. At the present time there are five houses and an emergency safe house for four women.

Thistle Farms and Magdalene is an awesome organization. To view their products, click here.

You can view other beauty and skin care products here @ http://www.emmaus-road.com/beauty.html