The Freedom Café - Background, Inspiration & Challenges

How do you beat the odds?

By tapping into the power of the people around you.

That’s what Bryan Bessette says. He’s the founder of Freedom Cafe, a non-profit working to end human trafficking. To launch Freedom Cafe, Bryan put together a board of directors, recruited some sixty-odd volunteers from the local university, and wrangled a bunch of free equipment from a generous neighbor.

Whether you’re trying to start a socially conscious business or not, Bryan has plenty of insights to share about harnessing the power of your network and jumping in with both feet.

Read More
Bryan Bessette Comment
TEDx Portsmouth

We are happy to announce that our Executive Director, Bryan Bessette, has been selected as a speaker at TEDxPortsmouth in September! Bryan is among an inspiring lineup of 16 speakers and change-makers, and is excited for this opportunity to share his story. Tickets are on sale now and are going fast; get yours today at tedxportsmouth.com/attend!

Read More
Bryan BessetteComment
NH Gives 2019 - Mumbai Internship Program
NH Gives 2019 - Mumbai Internship Program

An amazing opportunity has opened up for The Freedom Café to host a 4 month internship this fall, 2019!

The project will equip two young leaders from Mumbai, India with knowledge and skills to help them develop and launch a café and community center in Mumbai's red light area, providing job skills and economic opportunity to vulnerable individuals that include survivors of human trafficking. 

Read More
The Freedom CafeComment
"I believe that EVERY NH teenager should hear from The Freedom Café"

Following an event with the IMPACCT program at Manchester Community College, program instructor Mimi shared, "I have a group of high school students who attend our program from all around our region. Our goal is to prepare them for their life after high school, and to help ensure that they have the skills and knowledge base necessary to be successful in whatever endeavor they choose after graduation... The presentation on Human Trafficking was substantial and well organized. It introduced my students to, what for many of them was inconceivable;

Read More
Bryan BessetteComment
What can YOU, as one person, do to help eradicate forced labor around the world?

Panelists at yesterdays, “Can People, Planet & Profit Coexist? Forced Labor and Global Supply Chains” event, recommend doing your research, finding out what the brands you buy from are doing to keep forced labor out of their supply chains and support those working to create ethical and fair supply chain labor.

View the Full Program at: https://youtu.be/pHk2Mac2dZA
View Concluding Thoughts and Action Steps at: https://youtu.be/XofFLzlkPJA

Read More
Bryan BessetteComment