Bloom for Women

09/01/2026

💙 Prepared to Respond When It Matters Most

Last week, members of the Bloom team participated in CPR training, strengthening the skills and confidence needed to respond during an emergency.

Ongoing staff training is an important part of creating safe, supportive environments for everyone we serve. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn together and better prepare to care for our community!

09/01/2026

💙 Breaking Barriers: Accessing Mental Health Care

Deciding to ask for help can be incredibly difficult. Waiting weeks—or even months—to receive that help can feel impossible.

For many survivors, insurance approvals and complicated mental health systems create yet another barrier to healing.

Emily knew she needed more support. Her therapist agreed. Her doctor agreed. But her insurance company did not immediately approve the next level of care.

As the days turned into weeks, Emily worried she would lose the progress she had worked so hard to make.

At Bloom, she wasn’t left to face those delays alone. Staff advocated on her behalf, helped coordinate her care, and continued providing encouragement while she waited for treatment to begin.

Today, Emily continues building a healthier future because someone stayed beside her during one of the most difficult waiting periods of her recovery.

Healing shouldn’t depend on how long paperwork takes.

Emily’s story is fictional but inspired by barriers survivors often face.

08/31/2026

💙 Thank You, Epworth UMC!

We are incredibly grateful to the congregation of Epworth United Methodist Church for collecting much-needed items for Bloom’s residential program, including feminine care products and baby diapers.

These everyday essentials help us provide comfort, dignity, and practical support to the women and children we serve. Thank you, Epworth UMC, for generously responding to this need and standing alongside survivors in our community!

08/28/2026

💙 Get Involved—Join Us for Volunteer Orientation!

Whether you are a new Bloom volunteer or have not completed Volunteer Orientation within the past year, we invite you to attend our upcoming session:

📅 Monday, September 21
⏰ 5:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 St. Francis Retreat Center

Volunteer Orientation is offered monthly on the third Monday of each month. To let us know you’ll be attending, email [email protected].

Already volunteering—or interested in getting involved? Make sure you’re receiving Bloom’s Volunteer Newsletter! The newsletter includes current volunteer opportunities, upcoming training and continuing education, important Bloom updates, and more.

📧 Email [email protected] to sign up for the newsletter or register for orientation.

08/28/2026

💙 Flourish Friday: Getting Involved in Recovery Communities

This week, Flourish participants explored the importance of connecting with recovery communities and building a strong network of encouragement and support.

Recovery is not meant to happen alone. Support groups, trusted mentors, community activities, and healthy relationships can provide connection, accountability, and a sense of belonging throughout the journey.

By learning how to identify and engage with supportive recovery communities, participants are gaining another valuable tool to help them move forward with confidence, hope, and purpose.

08/28/2026

💙 Put Your Support Into Action—Become a Freedom Dinner Sponsor!

When your business or organization sponsors Bloom for Women’s 4th Annual Freedom Benefit Dinner, you help provide the sanctuary, care, employment opportunities, and ongoing support survivors need as they build lives of safety, independence, and hope.

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
📍 Lehigh University Iacocca Center

This meaningful evening will feature keynote speaker Becca Stevens —nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, priest, survivor, and founder of Thistle Farms .

Sponsorship is more than recognition at an event. It is an opportunity to stand alongside survivors and invest in life-changing work happening right here in the Lehigh Valley.

✨ Join us as a sponsor and help make freedom possible.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and register today:
https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/kdlqq5

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

💙 A Wonderful Evening at the St. Francis Spirituality & Retreat Center of Easton! 💙

More than 100 friends and community members joined us for yesterday’s Open House—and what a wonderful evening it was!

Throughout the event, our team led tours featuring the Reflection Pond, Stations of the Cross, Chapel of St. Francis, retreat guest accommodations, dining area, and many other special spaces available for future retreats and group gatherings.

We were honored to welcome U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, Senator Lisa M. Boscola, PA State Rep. Milou Mackenzie, and Ana DePaula, District Legislative Aide from PA State Rep. Joe Emrick’s office.

Guests also had the opportunity to visit a Bloom Creative Studio pop-up shop and participate in our Barrier Wall Project.

A special thank-you to our Hospitality and Food Services team, who truly hit it out of the park preparing the property and welcoming our guests. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to experience this beautiful space and learn more about Bloom’s mission and vision for the future! 💙

Interested in hosting a retreat or group gathering at the Center? Learn more at www.stfrancisretreatcenter.org.

08/26/2026

💙 Time to Connect, Reflect & Recharge 💙

On Friday, Bloom staff gathered at the St. Francis Spirituality & Retreat Center of Easton for a day of connection, reflection, creativity, and fun. The retreat was thoughtfully led by Molly Gilley, founder of Restoried, and JoAnne Geiger, a spiritual leader.

We began by celebrating staff Bloom-iversaries and birthdays, followed by our Annual Staff Awards. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

💙 Lauren Brennan — Heart of Bloom Award
💙 Melissa Borke — Quiet Backbone Award
💙 Rebekah Fritchman — Growth & Possibility Award

Throughout the day, our team explored what depletes us, how we refill our cups, and how we can support one another through challenges. From collaborative painting to an outdoor obstacle course, each activity reminded us of the value of teamwork, trust, and making space to recharge.

We’re grateful to Molly and JoAnne for guiding this meaningful experience—and for our dedicated team and the opportunity to grow stronger together!

08/25/2026

💙 Celebrating Our July & August Bloom-iversaries! 💙

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible team members who marked work anniversaries with Bloom during July and August!

Each person brings unique gifts, dedication, and compassion to our mission. Whether working directly with survivors, supporting our social enterprises, or helping behind the scenes, their contributions make a meaningful difference every day.

Please join us in thanking these wonderful members of the Bloom family and congratulating them on their Bloom-iversaries! We are so grateful for each of you. 💐