WillowBend Farms, Inc., will be awarded the State of Tennessee Governor’s Award of Excellence on Monday for their work in preventing Human Trafficking in the State of Tennessee. WillowBend Farms, Inc. serves 23 counties in the regional Southeast part of the State, serving 199 survivors in 2021. The presentation will take place at the Mountain City Club, 729 Chestnut St. in Chattanooga at 4:30 p.m.
The Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives states, “The Governor’s Award of Excellence recognizes
and highlights great work being done by faith communities, nonprofits and community initiatives across the state that
effectively changes the lives of citizens of Tennessee. WillowBend Farms has been selected by a regional committee for
honoring your dedication and efforts to prevent human trafficking and promote holistic healing of survivors. Your hard work
and support are creating space for beautiful transformation and restoration.”
"This award gives recognition to 13 organizations that were selected from large metropolitan areas and rural areas. They are recognized for their work with seniors, families, children, education, healthcare, housing and workforce development. Cumulatively, all these nonprofits and houses of worship have made meaningful and important contributions to their communities and are worthy of recognition," officials said.
“As an organization, we are fiercely committed to educating and mobilizing community partners, creating a collaborative
environment with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, other NGO's and community members to make massive
steps of change in the fight against human trafficking,” says Sarah McKinnis, WillowBend Farms founder and CEO. “As
a survivor of human trafficking myself, this award represents a voice for other victims and survivors who did not or do not
have one. We are dedicated to eliminating the barriers victims encounter to services, empowering community response and
prevention of this heinous crime for generations to come.”
"If you are interested in contributing to our efforts, please consider donating to one of our current projects at
www.willowbendfarms.org," officials said. "We ask that you also consider participating in our annual Run For Their Freedom 5k/1 mile walk on Oct 22. For more information on our 5k, please visit www.runfortheirfreedom.com."