History

In January 2009, Kristina Lee Grandstaff was working at her first full time job in the fashion industry in New York City when she attended a conference on the topic domestic sex trafficking of minors. Little did she know, this conference would forever change her life. She heard the testimony of a young girl who had been bought and sold as property into the sex industry in the United States. After learning more about the topic and eager to make a difference, Kristina rallied a group of young leaders who had a passion to serve women in need.

This team led a national educational awareness campaign hosting over 15 successful events, speaking to children, students, young adults, parents and senior citizens on the realities of sex trafficking in America through incorporating the arts. Freedom Forth’s message has recruited 100+ volunteers and partners, a phenomenal Board of Directors, Advisors, Committee as well as a partnership with Mayor Bloomberg’s Office.

Since expanding  our focus in 2010 to serve and empower women survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence, Freedom Forth under the guidance of our Board of Directors and Advisory Board has worked to improve the lives of women in the greater New York City area. We began serving women through their eye and dental programs. It has been a beautiful process to first hand see lives changed through these programs serving women with eye care and a new smile. 

In September  2011, we began our first after-care program serving survivors of  domestic violence and sex trafficking in the greater New York City area. Through strategic partnerships our program provides tailored services that serve our participants with counseling, health services, legal referrals, career training, parenting skills and financial literacy. By bridging communities of professional women and underserved women through mentorship, empowerment and networking, we ensure women have the opportunities they need to create a better future. Our goal is to walk alongside our participants as they move forward in their healing journeys. In addition our program develops community support systems with the intent to give our participants the tools to become self-sufficient, ultimately enabling them to return to the community and live independently.

As an organization, we realize that in order to end domestic violence and sex trafficking, prevention work is essential. We are continually examining the most effective ways to prevent teens and women from becoming victims of violence. Freedom Forth partners with networks that help a growing abolition movement.

Freedom Forth Ministries received our 501 (c)(3) tax-exemption status in September 2010. (All are welcomed regardless of religious affiliation, race, age or political beliefs.)