Magdalene is a two-year residential community founded in Nashville Tennessee in 1997 for women with a history of prostitution and drug addiction. Magdalene was founded not just to help a sub-culture of women, but to help change the culture itself. We stand in solidarity with women who are recovering from sexual abuse, violence, and life on the streets, and who have paid dearly for a culture that buys and sells women like commodities.
At no cost, we offer women a safe, disciplined, and compassionate community for two years, paid for by the gifts we receive from individuals and private grants. Magdalene stands as a witness to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets.
Thistle Farms is a non-profit business operated by the women of Magdalene. By hand, the women create natural bath and body products that are as kind to the environment as they are to the body. All sales proceeds go back into the program.
Through Thistle Farms, the women of Magdalene gain much needed job skills, and learn responsibility and cooperation. Into every product goes the belief that freedom starts with healing, and love can change lives. Our dream is that people will come to see Thistle Farms as a humble but powerful business synonymous with women’s freedom.
SHEILA
I came to Magdalene from jail. When in jail, I remembered a woman who was volunteering with Magdalene. I remembered meeting her at an outreach event on Murfreesboro Road. I wrote the judge a letter and asked if I could enter the Magdalene program. My life has changed since Magdalene. I own my own home; I am married, and I have a baby. I am cancer-free. I had breast cancer while in the program. I am currently on staff with Magdalene. My life is full now. Magdalene is what gave me my life; it is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
Favorite Song: God Bless the Broken Road
GRACE
My name is Grace, and I am 53 years old. I have four children and eight grandchildren. I came to Magdalene in 2004. I was on drugs and prostituted for 23 years. I have an illness, as a result of my drug use, called COPD. My life has changed since coming to Magdalene. I am an artist; I draw, I write poetry. Magdalene has given me a wonderful life-- the best life I've ever had. I am blessed to live in the brand-new transition house. I give thanks to God and Magdalene.
Favorite Song: I Couldn't of Made It
KATRINA
My name is Katrina, and I am 39 years old. I am the mother of a seventeen-year-old daughter named Ebony. I walked the streets of Nashville, TN prostituting and using off and on for 20 years. I have been clean for 2 years. I have been HIV positive for 13 years and I now live a happy, healthy and productive life. I went from living with my mom to living on the streets to owning my own brand new home. I love walking in the door of my house. It's my world. I never thought my life would be this amazing.
Favorite Song: Still Holding On
