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[Page S5443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING RETHREADED
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the
heart of our economy. It is my privilege to honor a Florida small
business that not only produces outstanding products but also assists
survivors of human trafficking by providing dignified work and a second
chance at life. This week, it is my pleasure to recognize Rethreaded of
Jacksonville, FL as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Rethreaded was established in 2011 following founder Kristin Keen's
return from India where she worked with victims of human trafficking.
Realizing that there was a need in her own community to provide
opportunities to survivors, Kristin sought to create a safe haven where
women could learn skills while also earning a living. Many Rethreaded
employees are survivors of human trafficking, and since its launch,
Rethreaded has employed 40 women. The company has raised awareness
about the horrific realities of human trafficking in the immediate
community and beyond as well.
Rethreaded sells conscious gifts and handcrafted accessories such as
purses, scarves, and jewelry at its storefront in Jacksonville, as well
as online. Their website not only provides nationwide customers access
to their products, but it also serves as a platform from which they
promote human rights issues that are foundational to Rethreaded's
purpose.
Over the years, Rethreaded has partnered with more than 300
companies, including Southwest Airlines, which provides airline seat
leather for various ``upcycled'' products such as keychains and
earrings. Since the beginning of this partnership, Southwest has
provided more than 5,400 pounds of leather to Rethreaded, saving 2.8
tons of waste from entering our Nation's landfills. This partnership
provided national exposure, but it was not the first time Rethreaded
has received acclaim. The company appeared on ``Project Runway All
Stars,'' an opportunity which gave their brand yet another chance to
promote their mission. Additionally, Rethreaded has established
relationships with numerous strategic partners, named Freedom Partners,
which supply ready-made products from around the world. Selling these
ready-made products in the Rethreaded storefront and online supports
like-minded enterprises that also strive to end human trafficking.
Rethreaded not only creates sustainable products for a good cause but
also provides a supportive community for women who are in need of hope
and healing. In addition to providing employment, Rethreaded has
established programs to assist employees in the recovery process.
Programs such as its warm-line telephone crisis support service, mental
health group services, care management services, and individual
counseling services target the unique challenges facing trauma victims.
Congratulations to Kristin and the entire team at Rethreaded on their
8 years of service. I commend their efforts to provide dignified
employment and skills training to women in our community who have been
impacted by human trafficking. Rethreaded is a great example of the
positive impact social entrepreneurship ventures can have in our
communities. I look forward to watching their continued growth and
success.
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