Nonprofit of the Month: UNBRANDED

In May, EmpowerHer Life proudly spotlighted Unbranded—a nonprofit doing deeply needed, often overlooked work. Their mission is focused, bold, and powerful: to serve survivors of human trafficking who were branded while trapped in “the life.”

Branding is a cruel form of control. It’s not just ink—it’s trauma etched into skin. For survivors, these tattoos are constant reminders of violence and dehumanization. They’re often marks of “ownership,” imposed by traffickers, gangs, or pimps. Some resemble barcodes. Others are initials, crowns, or currency symbols. These marks strip people of identity and freedom.

Unbranded offers a way forward.

Using state-of-the-art laser tattoo removal technology, they help survivors reclaim ownership of their own bodies. For many, this isn’t about appearances—it’s about self-worth. It’s about healing. It’s about no longer carrying the physical evidence of someone else’s abuse.

To support this work, we hosted our Pink Power Club fundraiser at Whiskey Tavern, and the night was full of energy, purpose, and generosity.

Together, we raised over $1,000 to help fund tattoo removal services for trafficking survivors.

The room was full of heart. Local businesses came through strong, donating a wide range of raffle items—from beauty services and handmade goods to gift cards and gourmet treats. We can’t thank them enough for their support.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping a survivor erase the physical reminders of their trauma.

This isn’t cosmetic. It’s restoration.

Laser tattoo removal is expensive. It can take multiple sessions over months. But it’s one of the most direct and tangible ways we can give someone a fresh start. It tells a survivor: “We see you. You deserve to heal.”

If you missed this event and still want to support the mission, you can:

Unbranded’s impact is quiet but profound. They’re not just removing ink. They’re helping survivors walk into job interviews, family reunions, and everyday life without being re-traumatized by someone else’s mark.

This kind of freedom is hard-won. And it deserves community support.

To everyone who showed up, bought a raffle ticket, donated, or simply shared the story—thank you.

Let’s keep showing up for the work that matters.

Let’s keep supporting healing.

/by