Zina’s Story
After her father left, Zina* was relegated to sleeping on the streets. Her mother and sister at her side, they stayed alive by begging. They soon gained work by scrubbing...
The Aruna Project
for her freedom TM
Our Mission
Aruna creates lifelong freedom for victims and survivors of human trafficking through a unique blend of holistic care and sustainable employment. By integrating essential nonprofit services with social enterprise solutions, we provide a proven pathway to free, employ, and empower women both in the US and abroad. We don't just facilitate a transition out of exploitation; we build a future.
A Global Issue
Human trafficking is a global issue affecting every country in the world. In certain locations systemic issues like abject poverty, gender inequality, lack of educational opportunity, and government instability coalesce to create an environment where trafficking, specifically human trafficking, thrives.
Across the globe from every corner of the US to the brothel systems of India the anti-trafficking movement faces a devastating reality: while many women find a way out, few have the resources to stay out.
Without the immediate stability of housing, counseling, and a living wage, the cycle of exploitation remains unbroken. This re-trafficking isn't a failure of will; it is a failure of opportunity. This is the challenge Aruna was built to solve.
23%
Anti-trafficking organizations have reported that in some locations almost eight out of ten women previously freed are re-trafficked resulting in only a 23% success rate.
A Proven Solution
Aruna has created and successfully implemented a vertically integrated model from the point of exploitation to a place of empowerment that frees through equipping and empowers through employing. This Aruna Freedom Process, supported by Aruna's Four Pillars of Holistic Care, provides the key factors necessary to dramatically reduce the re-trafficking rates and facilitate lifelong freedom domestically and internationally.
86%
Aruna is seeing an 86% sustained freedom rate. That is over a 63% decrease in the re-trafficking rates for women served by Aruna, resulting in 3.5x higher likelihood of lifelong freedom.
Our Challenge
8,000,000
People live in modern slavery in India alone
All 50 States
In the US report trafficking crimes annually
Only 23%
Remain free 12 months after leaving exploitation
12 Years
Aruna's proven track record of impact
Our Impact
At Aruna, we measure impact by the longevity of freedom. While the traditional anti-trafficking success rate is 23%, the Aruna Freedom Process achieves an 86% sustained freedom rate.
200+ Women
Transitioned from exploitation to career employment
700+ Families
No longer at risk due to economic stability
3.5x More Likely
To achieve permanent independence
10,200+ Individuals
Received direct care through Outreach Centers
Our Approach
The Aruna Freedom business model is built on the belief that freedom requires more than just an exit from exploitation; it requires a pathway to independence. We integrate specialized nonprofit care with the power of a social enterprise to ensure every survivor has the resources and a pathway to freedom, for life.
4 Pillars of Holistic Care
Mental & Emotional Health
Beginning to heal the past is what makes a new and independent future sustainable. Your donations fund trauma-informed counseling, care, and ongoing mental health support. We help survivors decompress and navigate the weight of their past so they can find the stability and emotional regulation needed to build a new life.
Relational & Social Health
Trafficking thrives on isolation. Your donation fosters a safe, supportive community where survivors rebuild healthy relationships, learn to trust again, and experience the power of a true sisterhood.
Physical & Environmental Safety
Through our transitional housing, we provide more than just a roof. Your donation provides a sanctuary where survivors are physically safe and are empowered to rediscover her own voice and personal agency.
Economic & Financial Stability
Freedom is only sustainable when it is owned and empowered. Your support provides living-wage employment, health insurance, and retirement benefits, ensuring survivors have the financial strength to build a future that is entirely their own.
Advocate
1
Build Awareness & Engagement
Race Events, Ongoing Fundraising
Free
2
Create a Pathway to Freedom
Outreach Centers, Trusted Advocacy
Equip
3
Grow Independence
Transitional Housing, Training Centers, Skills & Trade Development
Employ
4
Produce Premium Athleisure
Sustainable, Premium Materials, High-Quality, On-Trend Design
Empower
5
Strengthen Survivors
Community, Career Advancement, Developed Opportunities.
Amplify
6
Share Freedom Stories
Lifelong Freedom, Sustainable Independence
1
Advocate
Aruna Runs & Events
Community leaders host Aruna Runs to raise awareness, take action, and generate resources. Each participant runs for a woman by name, someone we know and are actively working to free.
These events directly fund the outreach and care necessary to open her pathway to freedom.
2
Free
Outreach Centers
Aruna Outreach Centers create pathways to freedom and provide the initial stages of holistic care for victims of human trafficking.
Our Outreach Teams enter brothel systems and places of exploitation daily, building trust and utilizing trauma-informed strategies to create immediate pathways to safety. These efforts are essential in beginning the Aruna Four Pillars of Holistic Care.
3
Equip
Aruna Training Centers
Aruna Training Centers provide a safe place, unhurried time, and exceptional care and training to ensure survivor employability and restored personal agency. Survivors enter our Training Centers to receive transitional housing, trauma care, and life-skill development.
This phase includes a paid manufacturing apprenticeship, providing a safe environment to grow independence and prepare for a career.
4
Employ
Freedom Business
The Aruna Freedom Business is a social enterprise that provides ongoing holistic care in a safe, fun and dignified professional work environment.
Here, survivors earn a living wage, health insurance, and retirement savings while producing premium athleisure bags and accessories.
5
Empower
USA Team
Our impact is global and deeply integrated. All Aruna products are survivor-made and managed by our US team, which employs local survivors as key team members. By centering our US business around those who have walked the path to freedom, we ensure our mission is woven into every level of our work.
Through donations and product sales, survivor voices are amplified, their freedom is sustained, and the impact is multiplied.
6
amplify
Fuel Lifelong Freedom
Through product sales, donations and Aruna events, survivor voices are amplified, and their independence is sustained.
Every purchase and every gift multiplies this impact, ensuring the Aruna model can reach more women who are still seeking their pathway to freedom.
What we do together makes a difference. One woman at a time.
Meet Priya
A journey from exploitation to empowerment.
View Story
More Survivor Stories
Suman’s Story
I was terrified at how fast the needle in the machine moved. It pulled the fabric forward so aggressively and left its marks so permanently. I wasn’t sure I could...
Priya’s Story
Human trafficking exists in virtually every country around the world, but in some locations certain factors coalesce so that it thrives to the traumatic detriment of those most vulnerable. Priya’s...
Our Values
Accept the Challenge
The work of sustaining freedom is difficult and unpredictable. We are solutions-oriented and self-motivated, meeting every obstacle with the resilience required to see the mission through.
Work with Excellence
What we do impacts lives. From the quality of our athleisure products to the stewardship of our donations, we strive for the highest standards. In our model, attentiveness is a form of advocacy.
Remember Why
Aruna exists for her freedom. We are moved by compassion but fueled by action. We persevere alongside every survivor, ensuring the mission remains the heartbeat of every decision we make.
Be Humbly Confident
We reject hype in favor of transparency. We are honest about the realities of this work, embracing data and feedback to learn, grow, and remain leaders in the anti-trafficking space.
Value People
People are always our priority. We serve without expectation of return, celebrating the wins of our Artisans and partners, and fostering a community where every individual is treated with dignity.
Our Sustainability
At Aruna, sustainability is two-fold: it is the longevity of a woman’s freedom and the environmental health of our planet. Our products are crafted from eco-friendly materials including recycled polyester and bluesign® approved fabrics ensuring that our brand’s growth never comes at a cost to the future we are building.