"Bee for Justice" is a modest project within a big dream. Starting from a small apiary and herb garden, we are building a business around herbal teas and honey products to benefit survivors of prostitution and trafficking. The focus of this grant will be the apiary while plans for the herb garden are being developed. From the honey produced by our hives we will create, in addition to raw honey, simple products such as lip balm and honey sticks, which will be sold, along with teas made from outsourced herbs,  in small local venues.

This year’s proceeds will fund Lives Worth Saving (LWS), a prostitution intervention program created by the District Attorney, the Memphis Police Department, and a group of front line responders to victims of trafficking. As our business grows, we will use our revenue to employ survivors with a livable wage within an emotionally supportive environment. Our project will contribute to the empowerment of these women to be productive, self-sustaining participants in the community.

Currently, we have a two-hive apiary and an herb garden consisting of 10 raised beds. In 2015 we will add three additional beehives and complete a master garden plan. The IOBY grant money will be used to purchase the equipment needed to harvest the honey.  

This year, we will be relying on volunteer support from both of our churches and other community partners. Volunteers will maintain and care for the bees; produce and sell our product line; host and serve LWS participants; and plan and carry out additional fundraising ventures. We will also be working on a marketing plan and public awareness campaign.