Impact in Bloom: A Spring Gathering Recap
On April 8, GIVING WoMN member Karie Zemlicka opened the doors of her employer workspace, White Crane Construction, to host Impact in Bloom: A Spring Gathering. Twenty‑two members and guests joined for an evening of connection, learning, and deeper understanding of the work our 2026 grantees are leading across the Twin Cities.
Breaking Free: Expanding Safety and Stability for Survivors
Dr. Lori Quist, CEO of Breaking Free, shared the organization’s holistic approach to supporting survivors of sex trafficking in a community where these issues often remain unspoken. With a focus on expanding housing access and strengthening outreach, Breaking Free received a $25,000 GIVING WoMN grant to support its transition to a scattered site housing model.
This model has already helped 60 families move into stable housing without master leasing, increasing autonomy and safety. Advocates provide life skills coaching and economic support, while grant funds have enabled the purchase of Ring cameras and the operation of a mobile outreach bus equipped with WiFi, assessments, food, and clothing to build trust with survivors.
Breaking Free also educates the community on the Safe Harbor Law and uses a “no wrong door” approach to guide clients from initial outreach through crisis stabilization, housing placement, rental assistance, landlord engagement, and ongoing navigation. Their goal is to support 100 families with stronger housing retention and deeper outreach engagement.
CornerHouse: Centering Healing for Children and Families
We also welcomed CornerHouse Executive Director Christy Shannon, forensic interviewer Elizabeth Eagle, and Development Director Stacey Jensen. CornerHouse has served as a children’s advocacy center since 1989, providing trauma‑informed forensic interviews, onsite therapy, and family support for children ages 3 through adolescence.
A $21,000 GIVING WoMN grant supports their comprehensive services, which last year included 566 forensic interviews and 1,877 therapy sessions. The organization has expanded trauma screenings, increased services for sexually exploited youth, and gathered more feedback from children and caregivers to shape programming.
A beloved member of the team, Stuffy the dog, joins interviews to comfort children and staff, helping young clients feel safe enough to share their stories. Caregivers meet with advocates to receive guidance and support throughout the process.
With roughly 70% of clients reporting sexual abuse, 20% physical abuse, and 10% other trauma experiences, CornerHouse remains committed to talking openly about child abuse, strengthening community response, and providing pathways to healing for vulnerable children.