Unbreaking Project
Uniting romance scam survivors and local law enforcement in a shared mission of healing, trust, and compassion—one powerful “hug” at a time.
Inspired by romance fraud survivor Kate Kleinert and supported by Advocating Against Romance Scammers and The Center for Combating Elder Financial Abuse, the Unbreaking Project is a national initiative bridging the gap between local law enforcement and romance scam victims. Through specially curated Hug Kits—containing educational tools, a soft blanket symbolizing a compassionate hug, and Kate’s personal story—we aim to restore dignity, hope, and the will to report.
Kate's Journey in Photos
These moments capture Kate’s resilience, her advocacy, and the community that stands beside her. From national media appearances to grassroots outreach, each photo tells part of the story that inspired the Unbreaking Project—and reminds us why this work matters.
About the Founders
Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS)
AARS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting victims of romance scams through education, advocacy, and recovery resources. AARS works to end the stigma surrounding victims by raising awareness and driving change across public, private, and legislative sectors.
Center for Combating Elder Financial Abuse (CCEFA)
Led by expert retired S.A. John Schwartz, CCEFA is committed to preventing, identifying, and addressing financial exploitation of older adults. Through education, advocacy, and industry partnerships, CCEFA empowers professionals and families to protect aging populations from financial harm.
Why the Unbreaking Project
Each year, thousands are victimized to romance scams and financial exploitation. Many suffer in silence, ashamed or uncertain that law enforcement can help—especially when perpetrators operate overseas.
The Unbreaking Project changes that by:
- Building trust between police and victims
- Breaking stigmas and emotional isolation
- Providing tangible, trauma-informed support
- Encouraging reporting and healing
What is in a Hug Kit
The Hug Kit not only provides what you see below, but most importantly, it provides survivors with the certainty of support, understanding and compassion. Everything a romance scam victim needs to move towards healing and justice.
💙 A soft blanket—symbolizing warmth and care
📘 Educational resources on romance scams
✉️ A personal message from Kate Kleinert
💡 Guidance for moving forward and finding support
How to get involved
You can help us launch this national campaign of comfort and change in several ways.
Law Enforcement – Request Hug Kits for your department (link above).
Donors & Sponsors – Fund Hug Kits and outreach efforts
Survivors -Share your story and break the silence
Everyone – Write your law makers, have compassion, encourage reporting, educate others on the emotional and psychological impact of romance scam victims.
Become an Unbreaking supporter
$35 – Give a Hug
Provide one complete Unbreaking Hug Kit—including a blanket, survivor story, and support resources—to a victim through a law enforcement partner. Dedicating a kit in honor of a loved one, is also available
$100 – Support a First Responder Team
Equip law enforcement unit with 3 Hug Kits and trauma-informed materials to respond with empathy and understanding.
$500 – Helping Several Police Agencies and Victims
Make a powerful impact by funding 15 Hug Kits and helping expand national outreach and education efforts. Your name or organization will be mentioned in the AARS Quarterly Newsletter “Keepin’ it Real.”
$1000 – Become an Unbreaking Champion
Not only will you be supplying nearly 30 local law enforcement agencies with Hug Kits, but as a thank you, your name or organization will be recognized in AARS’s quarterly newsletter “Keepin’ It Real,” featured on our TikTok account (with over 73,000 followers), and included in the official Support Letter given to each victim who receives a Hug Kit.