The Cause

Funds generated from the Fashion for Charity 2011 event will benefit two non-profit organizations, Project Start Off Smart (SOS) through the Homestead Police Department and The EDGE Charitable Foundation. All proceeds will serve to benefit women and children who are local victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims are used for forced labor or sexual exploitation.

In early 2000, The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was signed into action finally providing a federal law that criminalizes the act of human trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimates that about 600,000 to 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked across national borders annually.

Homestead Police Department & Project Start Off Smart (SOS)

Established in 1990, Project SOS is an initiative of the Homestead Police Department that integrates law enforcement and social services personnel. The combination of services provides a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the community.

Project SOS, is dedicated to identifying victims of domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse and human trafficking and to providing services to these victims. Services include case management, information and referral, shelter and legal aid. A partnership network of ten agencies who work collaboratively in order to meet the emerging needs of struggling South Dade families and victims.

The EDGE Foundation

For nearly four years, The Early Development of Global Education (EDGE) Charitable Foundation has been a strong advocate of environmental education and social responsibility for children around the world, with a goal of teaching each child the importance of caring for our planet and each other. This is accomplished through the use of a green curriculum supplement and donated services that range from school supplies, shoes, clothing and books to our children in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. The EDGE also collects thousands of toys and clothing annually for local needy children and provide earth friendly workshops for teachers in South Florida. Presently, the EDGE is impacting over 12,000 children and families, with its largest population in our own backyard, who are financially challenged, victims of human trafficking, victims of domestic violence, and local migrant workers. The EDGE leaders and its team are known as: Educators, Environmentalist and Humanitarians.