This story is about three young survivors, siblings, all under the age of nine. O.U.R. rescued them about three years ag...

This story is about three young survivors, siblings, all under the age of nine. O.U.R. rescued them about three years ag...

This story is about three young survivors, siblings, all under the age of nine. O.U.R. rescued them about three years ago.⁠ ⁠ The oldest girl had to take care of her younger sister and brother, as they did not have a stable family environment. These children missed out on many childhood experiences.⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. Aftercare Team had the opportunity to visit them a while after their rescue. After a coloring activity they all participated in, the aftercare staff told the children they would receive a sticker for completing their coloring page. The two sisters paused and then asked, “Wait. What’s a sticker?”⁠ ⁠ A few other girls were surprised by their question and responded, “You don’t know what a sticker is? They are so cool! It’s this piece of paper that’s sticky with a fun design, and you can stick it on things!” It was very endearing to hear these young children explain what a sticker is in their own words!⁠ ⁠ When the two sisters got their very first sticker, they were beyond elated. The little group was excited to see these sisters’ reactions and happily placed stickers on one other. It was a very sweet moment, witnessing two little girls experience a simple, childhood novelty for their first time.⁠ ⁠ We are so grateful for our Aftercare Team and partners who are helping these strong, young survivors learn what it means to be a kid again, one sticker at a time!

This story is about three young survivors, siblings, all under the age of nine. O.U.R. rescued them about three years ag... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEkrNhloiNJ

With support and resources from O.U.R., the Mesa Police Department in Arizona arrested eight men during a recent underco...

With support and resources from O.U.R., the Mesa Police Department in Arizona arrested eight men during a recent underco...

With support and resources from O.U.R., the Mesa Police Department in Arizona arrested eight men during a recent undercover operation. Reposted @mesaazpd Operation Vampire Cough – Child Sex Crimes Arrests: The Mesa Police Department recently carried out Operation Vampire Cough, an undercover operation targeting the demand for child sex crimes and human trafficking of children. Throughout the operational period, officers and undercover detectives placed ads on websites commonly sought out by suspects seeking illegal sex acts. The suspects solicited and/or brokered deals for various child sex acts and were subsequently arrested. The Mesa Police Department routinely conducts operations of this type in a continuous effort to reduce the demand that fuels human sex trafficking from our community. Eight arrests were made for child sex crimes charges during this operation and the suspects ranged in age from 20 to 37 years old. Some of the charges include: -Luring a child for sexual exploitation, a class 3 felony, -Aggravated luring a child for sexual exploitation, a class 2 felony, -Child sex trafficking, a class 2 felony, -Attempted sexual conduct with a minor, a class 3 felony, -Money laundering, a class 3 felony, and -Felony arrest warrant(s). The Mesa Police Department partners with organizations and survivor advocates to assist victims who have been exploited or trafficked. If you have information about someone being trafficked, contact your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888. Their website is https://humantraffickinghotline.org/. Our partnership with the Hickey Family Foundation and Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) was crucial to the success of this investigation.

With support and resources from O.U.R., the Mesa Police Department in Arizona arrested eight men during a recent underco... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcviURAAs2

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the earl...

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the earl...

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid 19th century. They were used by African American slaves to escape into free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The original Underground Railroad was a group that acted and infiltrated. When O.U.R. Founder @timballard89 first began fighting child crimes, he turned to the original Underground Railroad for guidance. "I didn’t just learn from the Underground Railroad about how to be inspired, and how to rally people around a great cause, I actually learned tactics. I can say honestly that were it not for the original Underground Railroad, there are children that we would not have saved. That is how powerful that name is to us. ” - O.U.R. Founder Tim Ballard. The Underground Railroad created a path to freedom and we are inspired to do the same.

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the earl... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEabqJBoLMH

It has been our honor to work alongside Thai government officials and law enforcement since 2016 to fight child sex traf...

It has been our honor to work alongside Thai government officials and law enforcement since 2016 to fight child sex traf...

It has been our honor to work alongside Thai government officials and law enforcement since 2016 to fight child sex trafficking and online exploitation. #endhumantrafficking #ourrescue

It has been our honor to work alongside Thai government officials and law enforcement since 2016 to fight child sex traf... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXzLpinNJr

Human trafficking looks different in every city, state, and country. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ See the link in our profile to read our full ...

Human trafficking looks different in every city, state, and country. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ See the link in our profile to read our full ...

Human trafficking looks different in every city, state, and country. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ See the link in our profile to read our full blog post about what human trafficking really is, and what it is not.

Human trafficking looks different in every city, state, and country. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ See the link in our profile to read our full ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEVMBmlg3Hg

CALIFORNIA AND ILLINOIS: Welcome K9 Chewie and K9 Marshall to the fight against child exploitation! ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Thanks to our ...

CALIFORNIA AND ILLINOIS: Welcome K9 Chewie and K9 Marshall to the fight against child exploitation! ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Thanks to our ...

CALIFORNIA AND ILLINOIS: Welcome K9 Chewie and K9 Marshall to the fight against child exploitation! ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Thanks to our generous donors, K9 Chewie has joined law enforcement at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office in CA, and K9 Marshall at the SIUE Police Department in Southern Illinois. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ O.U.R. currently has sponsored K9s in 12 U.S. States. Child predators routinely conceal small electronic storage devices such as thumb drives, hard drives, SIM cards, etc. in an attempt to hide sexually abusive and exploitative images of children. These Electronic Storage Device detection K9s are trained to efficiently sniff out these devices, which is a great asset to law enforcement officers while conducting search warrants. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ At Chewie and Marshall’s recent training graduation, O.U.R. gifted them each a bullet-proof vest and K9 first aid kit. O.U.R.’s Chief of Operations Jon Lines and Domestic Coordinator Carlos Rodriguez attended the event to meet the dogs and their handlers. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ “I was so impressed as I observed the training of these exceptional dogs. Their abilities to locate these very small items are truly amazing. The handlers are also extraordinary individuals who represent the best in law enforcement. We are excited to hear about their successes!” - O.U.R. Chief of Operations, Jon Lines

CALIFORNIA AND ILLINOIS: Welcome K9 Chewie and K9 Marshall to the fight against child exploitation! ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Thanks to our ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CESsro6AtCK

Thank you for RISING UP for children with us in over 150 cities on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking! What is hu...

Thank you for RISING UP for children with us in over 150 cities on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking! What is hu...

Thank you for RISING UP for children with us in over 150 cities on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking! What is human trafficking? As defined by dhs.gov, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Millions of adults and children here and around the world are trafficked for labor and sex. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Now that July 30th is over, let’s continue to stay loud and rise up against this issue. Learn more about what you can do at ourrescue.org/join-the-fight Featuring @collinkartchner @timballard89 @gentrimusic @thenationalparksband Jon Schmidt of @thepianoguys @alexboyereal @davidosmond @leximaewalker @jennblosil Thank you to @iflyheli for flying our team to our Utah events! “Rise Up” Song by @mandyventrice and @chrissernel

Thank you for RISING UP for children with us in over 150 cities on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking! What is hu... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEM1H7iAYIV

BREAKING NEWS: 2 predators were arrested and 9 children were rescued in an ongoing investigation in Southeast Asia. 9 te...

BREAKING NEWS: 2 predators were arrested and 9 children were rescued in an ongoing investigation in Southeast Asia. 9 te...

BREAKING NEWS: 2 predators were arrested and 9 children were rescued in an ongoing investigation in Southeast Asia. 9 terabytes of data including child sexual abuse material were recovered at the scene.⁠ ⁠ 1 terabyte alone can hold up to 1 million smartphone quality pictures, or thousands of hours of video. ⁠ ⁠ We are grateful for the dedicated investigators who help identify the children in these videos and pictures so they can be rescued. These unsung heroes go deep into the darkness to bring light to these children who are being abused and exploited.

BREAKING NEWS: 2 predators were arrested and 9 children were rescued in an ongoing investigation in Southeast Asia. 9 te... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEK0VopF_w9

OPERATION PAILIN:⁠ ⁠ On August 3rd at 10am, an adult male was arrested for trafficking 5 minor girls in Cambodia. With O...

OPERATION PAILIN:⁠ ⁠ On August 3rd at 10am, an adult male was arrested for trafficking 5 minor girls in Cambodia. With O...

OPERATION PAILIN:⁠ ⁠ On August 3rd at 10am, an adult male was arrested for trafficking 5 minor girls in Cambodia. With O.U.R.’s support, our partners at @aim_org and local law enforcement responded to a tip that this suspect was actively involved in selling children. All 5 girls were rescued during this operation and provided with aftercare services. Our partners at AIM will represent these survivors in the upcoming court proceedings. ⁠ ⁠ During interviews with the survivors, they told authorities that the trafficker was arranging for them to be sold and raped, with all profits benefiting him. The trafficker has been charged with child sex trafficking-related offenses and is awaiting trial from prison.

OPERATION PAILIN:⁠ ⁠ On August 3rd at 10am, an adult male was arrested for trafficking 5 minor girls in Cambodia. With O... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIWZXIBVoK

The roles an undercover O.U.R. Operator may play are limitless and always changing. They could be wealthy businessmen on...

The roles an undercover O.U.R. Operator may play are limitless and always changing. They could be wealthy businessmen on...

The roles an undercover O.U.R. Operator may play are limitless and always changing. They could be wealthy businessmen one day and extreme adventure seekers the next day or week. ⁠ ⁠ Operators talk to traffickers face-to-face. Given all they have to lose, a trafficker will test you. As moral, principled, just, and decent people, operators must employ extraordinary skills to instill confidence that they are legitimate customers.⁠ ⁠ Negotiations vary case by case and could be completed instantly upon the first meeting or take several visits in order to complete the transactions. There are often many layers and organizational hurdles our operators must navigate. Successful negotiations are the product of our operators garnering the trust required. Our teams are adept at donning the facade of evil necessary to expose these traffickers and save the lives of children they destroy. This is a crucial art required of all operators.

The roles an undercover O.U.R. Operator may play are limitless and always changing. They could be wealthy businessmen on... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFxnR6IHgj

“My daughter is available, short-term,” Erica’s mom said to some tourists passing by in the street. “Erica”, only eight ...

“My daughter is available, short-term,” Erica’s mom said to some tourists passing by in the street. “Erica”, only eight ...

“My daughter is available, short-term,” Erica’s mom said to some tourists passing by in the street. “Erica”, only eight years old at the time, stood timidly next to her. When she saw their heads nod yes, she dreaded what would come next. ⁠ ⁠ Erica’s mom exploited her over the next few years in Central America. She would sell her to truckers, American and European tourists, or anyone passing through town. ⁠ ⁠ When Erica was 10 years old, she was rescued and placed in our partnering aftercare home. Her 11th birthday was coming up, but Erica had never had a birthday party before. When everyone came out with presents and started singing happy birthday, Erica was overcome with joy. She put her face in her hands and soaked in the moment. She had never been treated this way before or heard the Happy Birthday song. ⁠ ⁠ Kids should not spend their childhood being exploited and abused. With your donations and support, we help survivors like Erica experience the joy of feeling loved and cared for. ⁠ ⁠ Once O.U.R. Aftercare makes a connection with an aftercare home, we see all of survivors as family and support them in their journeys. O.U.R. recently provided a van for Erica's aftercare home to transport the girls back and forth from appointments and activities so they can stay together. During quarantine, our team also provided safe, at-home workouts. Today, the O.U.R. Aftercare Team continues to follow up with Erica and the other survivors as they work to heal and reach their dreams.

“My daughter is available, short-term,” Erica’s mom said to some tourists passing by in the street. “Erica”, only eight ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEDM01UpYuf

21 survivors have returned home! 19 of these survivors were trafficked from West Africa to the Mediterranean, and are no...

21 survivors have returned home! 19 of these survivors were trafficked from West Africa to the Mediterranean, and are no...

21 survivors have returned home! 19 of these survivors were trafficked from West Africa to the Mediterranean, and are now home safe and receiving aftercare services. The other two survivors were trafficked from South America to the Mediterranean. Here is their story. ⁠ ⁠ “Lucia” and “Margaret” found an employment agency in South America that connected them with modeling opportunities in the Mediterranean. They were excited about the opportunity and couldn’t wait to get started. ⁠ ⁠ Upon arrival, they were immediately forced to have sex with men who bought them. They were trapped in a human trafficking network where traffickers in South America worked with traffickers in the Mediterranean to buy and sell girls. After many months of being exploited, Lucia and Margaret were able to escape together. ⁠ ⁠ Unfortunately, the trafficker was not far behind them. The trafficker took away their passports and accused the two girls of lying and stealing, which led them to be put into prison. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. Aftercare met Lucia and Margaret in person in January. We worked with these brave survivors to fill out the necessary documents to be released from prison and return home. Right before they were going to return home, COVID-19 restrictions shut down the opportunity to travel. The girls were stuck in prison. ⁠ ⁠ We kept in contact with local social workers who supported Lucia and Margaret through their time in prison. We helped provide food and medical services to sustain them as we waited for travel bans to be lifted. ⁠ ⁠ We are grateful to report that Lucia and Margaret were reunited with their families on July 30, World Day Against Trafficking. Comment FREEDOM below to celebrate with us!

21 survivors have returned home! 19 of these survivors were trafficked from West Africa to the Mediterranean, and are no... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEAoDgToDo-

With support and resources from O.U.R., 2 male survivors were rescued after being abused by 2 predators in Central Ameri...

With support and resources from O.U.R., 2 male survivors were rescued after being abused by 2 predators in Central Ameri...

With support and resources from O.U.R., 2 male survivors were rescued after being abused by 2 predators in Central America. O.U.R. also assisted the local government in collecting digital evidence that will most likely lead to identifying more predators to arrest and more survivors to rescue.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ "One study estimates that as many as half of sex trafficking victims and survivors are male. Advocates believe that percentage may be even higher but that male victims are far less likely to be identified. LGBTQ boys and young men are seen as particularly vulnerable to trafficking." - Polaris Project

With support and resources from O.U.R., 2 male survivors were rescued after being abused by 2 predators in Central Ameri... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4y6CPg47B

Outlined above are common steps that predators and human traffickers take to groom and gain trust from their victims. ⁠⠀...

Outlined above are common steps that predators and human traffickers take to groom and gain trust from their victims. ⁠⠀...

Outlined above are common steps that predators and human traffickers take to groom and gain trust from their victims. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ “The truth is, many victims don’t even self-identify as being trafficked. I believe this is because there is a disconnect. We hear sensational stories about someone being kidnapped in a parking lot or held captive in a secured room, and we miss how traffickers are actually luring their victims every day in our very own communities. By dispelling myths and spreading awareness, we can work to keep our kids safe, and we can help victims get the assistance they need. We must do better, for us and for them.” ⁠⠀ -“Trafficking Truths” by Rebecca Bender⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ By being aware of how predators take advantage of children and teens online and in person, we can help our loved ones be prepared when a predator tries to test their boundaries. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ This case was part of Project Safe Childhood by the Department of Justice. Full press release can be found on justice.gov.

Outlined above are common steps that predators and human traffickers take to groom and gain trust from their victims. ⁠⠀... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CD2U_yNgpsp

On July 16, law enforcement and O.U.R.-sponsored K9 Jib conducted a search warrant at 46-year-old James Vanraden’s home....

On July 16, law enforcement and O.U.R.-sponsored K9 Jib conducted a search warrant at 46-year-old James Vanraden’s home....

On July 16, law enforcement and O.U.R.-sponsored K9 Jib conducted a search warrant at 46-year-old James Vanraden’s home. ⁠ ⁠ Vanraden allegedly paid to have sex with a 10-year-old girl, and spied on and took pictures of another young girl. Documents state that he admitted to possessing and sending child exploitation material on his phone. ⁠ ⁠ As part of a proactive investigation, police posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a tutor for a 10-year-old girl. Vanraden responded to this ad. In following conversations, the man asked how much it would cost to “deflower” the 10-year-old girl. He was told $500, and allegedly replied that “he was excited he finally found someone who was willing to sell their daughter for a night”. He sent a $200 deposit. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. K9s are trained to recognize the unique chemical scent of electronic storage devices, such as thumb drives, hard drives, SIM cards, etc. These devices are routinely hidden by child predators in an attempt to hide sexually abusive and exploitative images of children from significant others and law enforcement. In July, K9 Jib helped rescue a survivor and arrest 3 predators (including Vanraden) by recovering electronic items that were valuable evidence for the cases. See link in profile for news story.

On July 16, law enforcement and O.U.R.-sponsored K9 Jib conducted a search warrant at 46-year-old James Vanraden’s home.... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzwF_glRBh

“The moon shows up every night to be a light in darkness. Whether it’s a big full moon, or whether it’s a tiny sliver, i...

“The moon shows up every night to be a light in darkness. Whether it’s a big full moon, or whether it’s a tiny sliver, i...

“The moon shows up every night to be a light in darkness. Whether it’s a big full moon, or whether it’s a tiny sliver, it shows up, no matter how weak or how strong it is….We all have light to share, and we are strong enough to share it in darkness.” - Lindsey Stirling, O.U.R. Ambassador There is nothing darker than children being sold for sex and labor. We need your light! Each of you can be a light in the darkness. How will you RISE UP for children? What unique experiences and skills can you bring to the cause? Comment below how we can SHINE OUR LIGHT against human trafficking. @lindseystirling filmed by @rj_idos @morgan_steinagel #violin #lindseystirling #betweentwilight

“The moon shows up every night to be a light in darkness. Whether it’s a big full moon, or whether it’s a tiny sliver, i... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDxQKv-gzRc

Child predators are no longer limited to one geographical location or audience. The exploitation and abuse can be broadc...

Child predators are no longer limited to one geographical location or audience. The exploitation and abuse can be broadc...

Child predators are no longer limited to one geographical location or audience. The exploitation and abuse can be broadcast to thousands of online devices across the world. Behind every child sexual abuse photo or video is a heinous crime being committed against a child. We are dedicated to stopping these crimes from happening. ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. Ops Team assisted foreign law enforcement partners in Nepal with a Facebook group where child sexual abuse material was being shared. In addition to identifying the predator, who was sharing the exploitative material, 3 females and 2 males under 13 years old in Nepal were identified who were being abused and exploited by this group. Anytime a child is identified, steps are immediately taken to provide the necessary aftercare services.

Child predators are no longer limited to one geographical location or audience. The exploitation and abuse can be broadc... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDumhSJg8H3

With training and resources provided by O.U.R., the Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas arrested 1 predator and res...

With training and resources provided by O.U.R., the Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas arrested 1 predator and res...

With training and resources provided by O.U.R., the Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas arrested 1 predator and rescued 3 survivors. This case involved an adult male who was creating and distributing child sexual abuse material of two 6-year-old twin girls. In Grants Pass, Oregon, 7 predators were arrested with the support of O.U.R. In one case, an adult male traveled from Texas to Oregon to sexually exploit who he thought was a minor female, but was actually an undercover police officer. They had been communicating online. Child sex trafficking and exploitation is happening here in the United States. Predators seek out vulnerable children both online and in person. As we become more educated and face this dark issue together, we can protect more children from being abused and exploited.

With training and resources provided by O.U.R., the Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas arrested 1 predator and res... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDsCuBrgbKQ

The lyrics in this song have always meant something special to everyone at O.U.R. We hope this inspiring rendition of "R...

The lyrics in this song have always meant something special to everyone at O.U.R. We hope this inspiring rendition of "R...

The lyrics in this song have always meant something special to everyone at O.U.R. We hope this inspiring rendition of "Rescue" touches your heart and inpisres you to join us in the fight to rescue more children from trafficking. "Rescue" Original Words and Music by Jason Ingram / Paul Mabury / @lauren_daigle Rescue lyrics © Essential Music Publishing Special music arrangement and direction by Gavin McMahan Recorded and mixed by Ken David @ Soularium Recording Studio Soloists (in order of appearance) : Jon Schmidt from @thepianoguys @jennblosil @ryaninnes @ashleyhessmusic @alexboyereal @henryammar @aaliyahrosemusic @tykejames @davidosmond @leximaewalker @savannahnowshowing @yahoshb #laurendaigle #rescue #iwillrescueyou #musicvideo #cover #ourrescue #endhumantrafficking @rj_idos @morgan_steinagel @dcampbellfilms @brit_lamour @soulariumstudios @nicblosil @alexblosil @gavinmcmahan @kendavidsofficial

The lyrics in this song have always meant something special to everyone at O.U.R. We hope this inspiring rendition of "R... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDlskWOnHbb

So we GOT LOUD on 7/30, now what?⁠ ⁠ You can make a difference in your own community. Here are examples of two O.U.R. Vo...

So we GOT LOUD on 7/30, now what?⁠ ⁠ You can make a difference in your own community. Here are examples of two O.U.R. Vo...

So we GOT LOUD on 7/30, now what?⁠ ⁠ You can make a difference in your own community. Here are examples of two O.U.R. Volunteer Teams who saw a simple, but important need and took action:⁠ ⁠ In California, the O.U.R. San Diego Volunteer Team and The Human Trafficking Task Force of San Diego dropped off "go bags" to local law enforcement. The “go bags” were filled with clothing, snacks, and hygiene items to give to trafficking survivors immediately upon rescue. The volunteers also spoke with 197 teen girls about the dangers of human trafficking, O.U.R., and what they could do to help.⁠ ⁠ Similarly, the O.U.R. Richmond Volunteer team dropped off 50 filled backpacks to @richmondpolice in Virginia. The backpacks contained comfort items for rescued victims of different ages, including personal hygiene products, non-perishable foods, and coloring books.⁠ ⁠ “Our goal is to provide victims a safe space once they have been rescued, but many of them don’t have a single item in their possession. This donation will hopefully help calm them in the aftermath.” ⁠ - Special Investigations Division Captain Emmett Williams ⁠ ⁠ Make a difference in your community and sign up as an O.U.R. Volunteer. Once you are registered, you will be connected with resources and other volunteers near you. As the volunteers did in San Diego and Richmond, you can make connections with your local law enforcement teams and anti-human trafficking task forces to fulfill needs. See our link in profile to sign up today!

So we GOT LOUD on 7/30, now what?⁠ ⁠ You can make a difference in your own community. Here are examples of two O.U.R. Vo... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkTVihFwgf

We are excited to share more with you about “Perla”, our 4,000th survivor, and what happened after she was freed from be...

We are excited to share more with you about “Perla”, our 4,000th survivor, and what happened after she was freed from be...

We are excited to share more with you about “Perla”, our 4,000th survivor, and what happened after she was freed from being trafficked.⁠ ⁠ This brave 11-year-old girl, although asymptomatic, tested positive for COVID-19 after being rescued. While quarantined from the other survivors, the O.U.R. Aftercare Team and our aftercare partners found out that her 12th birthday was approaching. They wanted to do something extra special to cheer her up in quarantine! ⁠ ⁠ On the morning of her birthday, the first surprise came early in the morning. A bunch of balloons and a giant stuffed unicorn were delivered to her door. She called our aftercare team to share her excitement. The surprises weren’t over! ⁠ ⁠ After lunch, her favorite chocolate ice cream was delivered. All of the other survivors called the nurse’s phone to sing Perla “Happy Birthday”. After each surprise, she excitedly contacted our aftercare team to tell them what had just happened. In an effort to help her feel special and loved, we continued the surprises. ⁠ ⁠ Later that night, her favorite dinner was delivered, along with new clothes and a manicure set. Her favorite gift was the manicure set, she couldn’t wait to paint her nails with one of the aftercare staff members. ⁠ ⁠ After all of the surprises, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She called our aftercare team and explained that she had never felt celebrated before. It was such a foreign feeling. ⁠ ⁠ Perla experienced a lot of emotions after being rescued and put in quarantine. We were so happy to see that she felt valued, special, and safe on her birthday, thanks to your support. O.U.R. Aftercare is committed to standing with survivors through their entire healing process.⁠ ⁠ Please keep Perla in your thoughts and prayers as she is getting tested today to see if she still has the virus.

We are excited to share more with you about “Perla”, our 4,000th survivor, and what happened after she was freed from be... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhukJ7BOrh

We recently announced the rescue of our 4,000th survivor. Here are stories of two operations that happened around the sa...

We recently announced the rescue of our 4,000th survivor. Here are stories of two operations that happened around the sa...

We recently announced the rescue of our 4,000th survivor. Here are stories of two operations that happened around the same time, one in Colombia and one in the United States. “Perla” was our 4,000th survivor rescued, and “Jackson” was rescued soon after. “Perla”, an 11-year-old little girl, was rescued during Operation Pura Libertad in Colombia. She was one of many other children also rescued as the result of an investigation where O.U.R. Operators and Colombian Law Enforcement worked collaboratively for months to unearth a complex network of traffickers. As is often the case, many of the predators arrested were in positions of trust and authority. Perla had been trafficked by family members, her stepfather and her sister's boyfriend. Perla was at the complete mercy of those who should have protected her. O.U.R. provided intel, training, equipment and other resources which enabled our Colombian partners to find and rescue Perla and arrest her traffickers. We are pleased to report that O.U.R. Aftercare is an active part in Perla's ongoing recovery. The other survivor, “Jackson,” is a grade school student in the United States. Jackson was one of 16 students whose identities came to light after a dedicated detective from a U.S. Police Department pursued an anonymous tip relating to the online solicitation of a minor child (male) by an adult male. This detective had received training and investigative resources from O.U.R. to build his capacities in online exploitation cases. This investigation identified the predator as a very popular school teacher in the community. When confronted by investigators, the teacher disclosed information about 16 previously unidentified victims. Jackson was one of these children. All victims were located and identified and are now receiving the aftercare services they need to heal from the damage inflicted by this sex offender who was in a significant position of trust. The offending teacher is now looking at a lengthy prison sentence. O.U.R. is humbled by the work our dedicated partners are doing to save children around the world. 4,000 is a wonderful number, but we will not stop until we can report not a single victim more.

We recently announced the rescue of our 4,000th survivor. Here are stories of two operations that happened around the sa... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDfKaVJD95Q

With support and resources provided by O.U.R., the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Florida arrested a 36-year-old child ...

With support and resources provided by O.U.R., the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Florida arrested a 36-year-old child ...

With support and resources provided by O.U.R., the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Florida arrested a 36-year-old child predator last Thursday. Steven Lacy DeVane possessed 70 images and videos of children between 2 and 12 being sexually abused. He was also arrested on three counts of using a child to engage in sex acts. O.U.R. is committed to empowering our local law enforcement agencies who are best positioned to detect, disrupt and dismantle traffickers and child predators. We act as force multipliers for our law enforcement heroes by helping them fill voids that prohibit them from aggressively and effectively identifying and saving victimized children, and seeking justice for the monsters who violate them. This comes in the form of training, equipment or other specialized tools and technology to increase their abilities to conduct human trafficking and child exploitation investigations and operations. We are dedicated to fighting child exploitation and trafficking here on our soil and abroad. See link in profile for news story.

With support and resources provided by O.U.R., the Polk County Sheriff's Office in Florida arrested a 36-year-old child ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDckxMOA7Jz

Hear why some of our O.U.R. Team, Partners, and Supporters #RiseUP for Children! Thank you to @tonyrobbins, and @festa...

Hear why some of our O.U.R. Team, Partners, and Supporters #RiseUP for Children! Thank you to @tonyrobbins, and @festa...

Hear why some of our O.U.R. Team, Partners, and Supporters #RiseUP for Children! Thank you to @tonyrobbins, and @festafied and @em_bautista from @misssaigonus “Rise Up” Song by @mandyventrice and @chrissernel

Hear why some of our O.U.R. Team, Partners, and Supporters #RiseUP for Children! Thank you to @tonyrobbins, and @festa... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDXWkOSAqf0

From @timballard89: “We need prayers right now. We were up all night coordinating a mass rescue operation from HQ: comma...

From @timballard89: “We need prayers right now. We were up all night coordinating a mass rescue operation from HQ: comma...

From @timballard89: “We need prayers right now. We were up all night coordinating a mass rescue operation from HQ: command center. Many rescued. It was very successful. We have hit snags on exfiltrating the survivors out of country. Please pray now that our Aftercare Team and operators can get them all home and into permanent safety while remaining safe themselves. ASAP.”

From @timballard89: “We need prayers right now. We were up all night coordinating a mass rescue operation from HQ: comma... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDWW46Xg9y0