Carlson reposted this
As National Human Trafficking Awareness Month comes to a close, I wanted to highlight one of Carlson’s key partners, the Orphaned Starfish Foundation (OSF)--founded and led by Andy Stein. OSF provides technology-based education, job training and job placement assistance to orphans, victims of abuse, survivors of trafficking, indigenous children, at-risk youth, and refugees around the world. We have supported OSF programs since 2015, including those in Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Colombia, and Minnesota. In December, I was fortunate to visit our supported programs in Rio de Janeiro, including Projeto Uerê, @Associação Jesus de Nazaré, Pequena Cruzada, and Fundaçáo Americo de Viveiros. Over the past 10 years, I have seen these local programs expand from providing general computer skills and language training, to web design, computer programming, and robotics engineering. Projeto Uerê also has an orchestral music program that is beyond words. I’m so proud to work for a company that provides opportunities for those that need it most, and so grateful to have been able to connect with those who lead these organizations. Thank you to those leaders and Orphaned Starfish for the change they are making in these children’s lives. And for giving me and other employees the opportunity to make connections that will last a lifetime.