Today we honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we may have #FreedomForAll

Today we honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we may have #FreedomForAll

Today we honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we may have #FreedomForAll

Today we honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we may have #FreedomForAll was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPjkT3eAggC

Check out some highlights from the first quarter of 2021 in our newest video (link in bio). We are thrilled to share wit...

Check out some highlights from the first quarter of 2021 in our newest video (link in bio). We are thrilled to share wit...

Check out some highlights from the first quarter of 2021 in our newest video (link in bio). We are thrilled to share with you what’s been happening this year so far! ⁠ ⁠ Thousands of files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were confiscated, over 30 migrant domestic workers who were exploited and trafficked were able to return home safely, more K9s were trained to sniff out vital evidence, and so much more. ⁠ ⁠

Check out some highlights from the first quarter of 2021 in our newest video (link in bio). We are thrilled to share wit... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbebirFuEH

SURVIVOR UPDATE: "Lily", now a mother herself, is able to abundantly care for her family with her business that you help...

SURVIVOR UPDATE: "Lily", now a mother herself, is able to abundantly care for her family with her business that you help...

SURVIVOR UPDATE: "Lily", now a mother herself, is able to abundantly care for her family with her business that you helped support through your donations. Due to her recent success and giving nature, Lily was inspired to put on an entire Mother’s Day celebration for her local community! She hosted a gathering for all of the women in her neighborhood and made a variety of home-cooked meals to honor and celebrate the mothers in the area. O.U.R. is beyond moved to not only see Lily supporting her family, but also to witness her continuing to give back and share her success with those around her. Stories like Lily’s remind us of the power of giving and the richness that comes from sharing your wellbeing with others. If you missed Lily’s story, read below for a recap. ------ 14-year-old “Lily” was exploited throughout her childhood in nightclubs and by both her mother and by a local gang in Central America. Three years later, during an operation referred to as Operation Barbarosa, the O.U.R. Ops Team supported local law enforcement as they rescued ten survivors, and Lily was one of them. The O.U.R. Aftercare Team joined the in-country team to meet with Lily and learn about her new business. Lily explained that she currently has a restaurant business, but made note that it was not operating under the ideal conditions, and she had to make do with what she had. After hearing Lily’s story, O.U.R. was eager to help support her and give her the necessary means for her business to thrive. O.U.R. provided a fridge for her food, along with a stove big enough to cook multiple dishes at once, and a wooden table for her customers to eat at. A few weeks later, our aftercare team received a phone call from Lily. With such a happy demeanor and excitement in her voice, she told our team on the phone how much money she had made that day at her restaurant business and how pleased she was for her success. She soon after began to invest the money that she made back into her business and even was able to start a chicken coop to raise and sell chickens as a part of her business. Lily’s story is a true testament of hope, and O.U.R. is grateful to be a part of it.

SURVIVOR UPDATE: "Lily", now a mother herself, is able to abundantly care for her family with her business that you help... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPZHWOjsuXF

PART 7/7: How to Join the Fight⁠ ⁠ The statistics of adults and children in trafficking or sexually exploitative situati...

PART 7/7: How to Join the Fight⁠ ⁠ The statistics of adults and children in trafficking or sexually exploitative situati...

PART 7/7: How to Join the Fight⁠ ⁠ The statistics of adults and children in trafficking or sexually exploitative situations may seem grim, but the efforts of NGOs, law enforcement, and people like you make a difference. ⁠ ⁠ If you want to get involved, the first step is to continue educating yourself on the signs of trafficking; our free training course is a great place to start (ourrescue.org/training). ⁠ ⁠ You can also raise awareness of these issues online or within your circle of influence. ⁠ ⁠ There are also many ways to support O.U.R. so we can further our mission to rescue children. By becoming a monthly donor and joining the Abolitionist Club, you become an integral part in our efforts to fight human trafficking around the world. Learn more about ways to volunteer, donate, and attend events in your area at ourrescue.org/join-the-fight. ⁠

PART 7/7: How to Join the Fight⁠ ⁠ The statistics of adults and children in trafficking or sexually exploitative situati... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPWN1yBL_pG

Part 6/7: O.U.R. Aftercare Around the World The mission of O.U.R. Aftercare is to support survivors of human trafficki...

Part 6/7: O.U.R. Aftercare Around the World The mission of O.U.R. Aftercare is to support survivors of human trafficki...

Part 6/7: O.U.R. Aftercare Around the World The mission of O.U.R. Aftercare is to support survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in their healing process by supporting their individual needs. At this time, O.U.R.’s model is empowering and supporting in-country aftercare centers. Through collaboration, we have been able to support the care of survivors far beyond what we would have been able to do on our own. In order to be most effective, we believe that people who have already invested years in the country are the experts and understand the culture far greater than those who do not live there. O.U.R. vets and assesses aftercare centers around the world, which consists of partnering with different organizations, safe homes and aftercare centers. Our aftercare team has a wide variety of backgrounds of working with survivors and support services, but also utilizes the evaluations and standards of the country provided by local social workers. Aftercare also collaborates with the O.U.R. Ops Team and government officials to communicate the assessments and potential aftercare centers for children. We assist in communication to the center about upcoming rescues and the predicted needs, such as additional social workers or medical professionals in-country. It is the current practice of O.U.R. Aftercare to build partnerships with in-country aftercare centers prior to any operations. Survivors are often referred to us by aftercare homes when they are not able to meet a specific need for someone. For example, expensive medical needs, education, additional mental health workers, community outings, and celebrations are not easily accessible in some countries, so our efforts often focus on ensuring survivors receive holistic services. Through our partnerships, many of the survivors we work with are provided with business classes to be successful entrepreneurs. O.U.R. strives to support survivors in their dreams. O.U.R. also strives to empower local staff at aftercare centers around the world. We provide training to ensure they provide the highest quality care. We also connect them with our network, acting as consultants and liaisons between different groups.

Part 6/7: O.U.R. Aftercare Around the World The mission of O.U.R. Aftercare is to support survivors of human trafficki... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTpCCTJInZ

PART 5/7: What does O.U.R. do internationally? ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. International Operations Team is currently led by a 35-yea...

PART 5/7: What does O.U.R. do internationally? ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. International Operations Team is currently led by a 35-yea...

PART 5/7: What does O.U.R. do internationally? ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. International Operations Team is currently led by a 35-year veteran federal law enforcement special agent who also served as a federal prosecutor. The team primarily consists of highly experienced and extensively trained current and former law enforcement personnel. Other members have a background in either the military or in intelligence work. Since our group is privately run, we are able to quickly respond to foreign government requests and institute investigative measures, develop intelligence and assist in enforcement operations and rescue efforts. Our goal is to develop long-term relationships with foreign governments and their law enforcement agencies responsible for combatting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.⁠ ⁠ We assist foreign law enforcement agencies by developing intelligence, cultivating sources of information, and by penetrating criminal human trafficking networks under appropriate laws and procedures, with the goal of identifying their leadership and methods of operation. Through extensive undercover work and intelligence gathering, we strive to identify as many victims of human trafficking as possible; working closely with O.U.R. Aftercare in anticipation of their rescue. ⁠ ⁠ As many of our operators have decades of experience in high-risk enforcement and tactical operations, we routinely assist our foreign partners with the planning and execution of enforcement operations and rescue efforts. Subsequently, we assist in criminal proceedings as necessary and appropriate.⁠ ⁠ Throughout the world, the O.U.R. Ops Team currently oversees government relationships and investigative and rescue efforts in four regions:⁠ Latin America⁠ Mexico and the Caribbean⁠ Southeast Asia⁠ Africa and the Middle East⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. also helps fund forensics labs in Colombia and Thailand to fight online child exploitation. At these facilities, we coordinate with and provide training to local law enforcement and prosecutors.⁠ ⁠ Part 6 coming tomorrow: O.U.R. Aftercare Around the World

PART 5/7: What does O.U.R. do internationally? ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. International Operations Team is currently led by a 35-yea... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPREQbPF8rK

PART 4/7: Sex trafficking around the world⁠ ⁠ Sex trafficking and exploitation occurs all around the world and often goe...

PART 4/7: Sex trafficking around the world⁠ ⁠ Sex trafficking and exploitation occurs all around the world and often goe...

PART 4/7: Sex trafficking around the world⁠ ⁠ Sex trafficking and exploitation occurs all around the world and often goes unreported. In 2016, an estimated 4.8 million people worldwide were victims of forced sexual exploitation with 21 percent of victims being under the age of 18 (ILO). Fifty percent of individuals identified in trafficking situations in 2018 were victims of sexual exploitation (UNODC). ⁠ ⁠ One out of every three victims of human trafficking is a child (UNODC)—a share that has tripled over the past 15 years (United Nations). For every ten identified victims of human trafficking, five are adult women and two are young girls (UNODC). Of these female victims, the majority are sexually exploited, while men and boys are more likely to be victims of forced labor (UNODC).⁠ ⁠ Victims are typically trafficked within their country of origin, though more than 500 regional and worldwide trafficking flows have been determined (UNODC). Traffickers often bring victims from low income areas to wealthier and often touristy areas (UNODC). Children trafficked in higher income countries are more likely to be victims of sexual exploitation than those in lower income locations (UNODC). Child victims of sexual exploitation are largely concentrated in Central America, the Caribbean and East Asia (UNODC)—areas with high rates of tourism and child poverty (EPCAT).⁠ ⁠ Nearly half of male victims were recruited by a friend or acquaintance, while more than 25 percent of female victims were recruited by an intimate partner and over a third by a relative (CTDC). Family involvement is up to four times higher in cases of child trafficking than in cases of adult trafficking (CTDC). Traffickers most often take advantage of the economic needs, undocumented status, mental disorders and dysfunctional family situations of their victims (UNODC). Digital technology is increasingly used to aid in the sale of children for sexual purposes (EPCAT) through advertising, recruitment and dissemination of child sex abuse material (UNODC). ⁠

PART 4/7: Sex trafficking around the world⁠ ⁠ Sex trafficking and exploitation occurs all around the world and often goe... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPJV4wEr-CM

Part 3/7: What does O.U.R. Aftercare do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. strives to provide personalized care to each survivor we...

Part 3/7: What does O.U.R. Aftercare do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. strives to provide personalized care to each survivor we...

Part 3/7: What does O.U.R. Aftercare do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. strives to provide personalized care to each survivor we work with. We assist survivors in getting needed medical care such as surgeries, dental work and therapy (including equine therapy). In the U.S., our efforts also include court advocacy, connecting survivors with free mental health services or mentors, vocational training, college scholarships, and holistic support to the family unit when Child Protective Services (CPS) determines a survivor can return to their family.⁠ ⁠ Another large part of our work in the U.S. is partnering with trusted organizations. We work closely with a number of groups to ensure they have the resources needed to provide quality care to survivors. We refer individuals to these organizations and step in if they are unable to provide the needed services. For example, adult women are an often overlooked demographic, and we strive to cover the costs of shelter and transportation as they flee trafficking situations. Some groups we have teamed up with include Face Forward International and the Phoenix and Los Angeles Dream Centers. ⁠ ⁠ Many survivors are also placed into aftercare homes, though the U.S. has a need for additional facilities. O.U.R. strives to strengthen existing homes and find additional safe places for survivors. For example, in one state, we are starting to implement our new program for transitional host homes, which is for young adults of survivors who are aging out of the state’s systems.⁠ ⁠ In April 2020, the foundation "Children Need Families” (CNF) became a project of O.U.R.. CNF works in partnership with adoption agencies, orphanages and adoptive families worldwide, offering a grant subsidy to assist with one of the most prohibitive steps of the adoption process, the cost. Adoption is considered to be a potential preventative measure against child trafficking. ⁠

Part 3/7: What does O.U.R. Aftercare do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. strives to provide personalized care to each survivor we... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPG36XOL0Nt

PART 2/7: What does O.U.R. do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ In the United States, O.U.R. develops relationships with law enforcement ...

PART 2/7: What does O.U.R. do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ In the United States, O.U.R. develops relationships with law enforcement ...

PART 2/7: What does O.U.R. do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ In the United States, O.U.R. develops relationships with law enforcement agencies and offers resources to assist them in their efforts against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. These resources include support vehicles, forensics equipment and electronic detection service K9s. We also provide funding for law enforcement officers to attend trainings that focus on internet crimes against children, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. does not conduct or participate in investigations, operations or enforcement action in the United States. This important work is conducted by the brave men and women in law enforcement.⁠ ⁠ We also partner with other non-governmental organizations with similar missions to combat human trafficking and exploitation in all its forms. O.U.R. strives to bring awareness to these issues and educate everyday citizens on the signs and risk factors associated with human trafficking and exploitation.⁠ ⁠ (Part 3 coming tomorrow: O.U.R. Aftercare in the U.S.)⁠

PART 2/7: What does O.U.R. do in the U.S.? ⁠ ⁠ In the United States, O.U.R. develops relationships with law enforcement ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPETHNjjdSm

In our mission to free women and children from sex trafficking and exploitation, there are different ways we are activel...

In our mission to free women and children from sex trafficking and exploitation, there are different ways we are activel...

In our mission to free women and children from sex trafficking and exploitation, there are different ways we are actively engaged in the U.S. which are unique compared to how we work abroad. This week we will be sharing more about these differences and what trafficking looks like in across the world! PART 1/7: What is sex trafficking? It is important to have a clear understanding of what human trafficking really is and what it isn’t. The U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines sex trafficking as “a commercial sex act [that] is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age” (state.gov). Individuals do not have to be physically transported to another location to be considered a victim of trafficking, according to federal law (state.gov). Sex trafficking occurs in the U.S., though to what extent is difficult to accurately determine. Government information estimates that at least 100,000 children are sexually exploited commercially each year in the U.S. (ECPAT), and child sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 states (NCMEC). Victims of trafficking and exploitation can be any age, gender or ethnicity. Studies suggest that most child victims are girls, but the number of boys being exploited is rising (ECPAT). In 2019, the top countries of origin of federally identified victims were the United States, Mexico and Honduras (state.gov). Individuals most vulnerable to human trafficking in the U.S. include children in the welfare and juvenile justice systems, runaway and homeless youth, individuals seeking asylum, Native Americans, individuals with substance use issues, migrant laborers, persons with disabilities, LGBT+ individuals, and victims of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, among others (state.gov). Of the over 14,000 victims of sex trafficking identified by the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2019, the most common recruitment methods were by an intimate partner or family member (Polaris). Traffickers often exploit children on the streets and in locations such as adult night clubs, sex parties, illegal brothels and hotel rooms (justice.gov).

In our mission to free women and children from sex trafficking and exploitation, there are different ways we are activel... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBuUOdlPeN

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in December 2013 and was first operational in early 2014. One of the first in...

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in December 2013 and was first operational in early 2014. One of the first in...

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in December 2013 and was first operational in early 2014. One of the first international countries O.U.R. started working in was the Dominican Republic. Operation Mundo Nuevo was the beginning of O.U.R.’s work in the Dominican Republic. Because of the success of this operation, other doors were opened and we have been able to continue to support our partners in the Dominican Republic.

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in December 2013 and was first operational in early 2014. One of the first in... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_6YAcA9VU

The Small Enterprise Education and Development program (SEED) is an international internship program within the Jon M. H...

The Small Enterprise Education and Development program (SEED) is an international internship program within the Jon M. H...

The Small Enterprise Education and Development program (SEED) is an international internship program within the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. The program is incredibly well respected within the university and beyond, having received a Most Innovative Program Award in the USA and a Top 5 recognition in the world for entrepreneurship education. ⁠ ⁠ Through a referral process, O.U.R. is able to give survivors who we work with in Uganda (and a few other countries) that have a desire to become entrepreneurs and create a business or are wanting to expand their current business, the capacity to do so. ⁠ ⁠ Once the survivors have been accepted into the program, O.U.R. provides trauma-informed training and education to the program participants on how to support survivors and how to offer a safe and supportive environment for them. Once training and expectations have been met, survivors are given weekly assignments and budgets to complete throughout the 12-week online business program. The staff and students are there to help partner with the survivor to find creative solutions and identify successful tactics for bringing the survivor’s dreams to reality.⁠ While a survivor is in school, there are many other aspects in their life that can become challenging without the financial or emotional support of a parent or relative. O.U.R. is right alongside offering continual support for their basic needs, such as gaining access to therapeutic help, providing funding for childcare, and covering expenses such as rent, food, and medical bills. Aftercare staff has also invested support in providing connections and mentoring for them as needed. ⁠ ⁠ From the beginning stages of facilitating referrals, hand-selecting the students to work with the survivors, educating the interns on expectations when working with the survivors, and providing financial and emotional support during and after the SEED program, O.U.R. is there every step of the way to ensure the survivors are safe, cared for, and given an environment to truly flourish in.⁠ ⁠ See our link in profile to read more about this program and the impact it has made.

The Small Enterprise Education and Development program (SEED) is an international internship program within the Jon M. H... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3UeZAgayg

5 survivors safely landed in their home country in West Africa today! When they landed one of the women said, “I have so...

5 survivors safely landed in their home country in West Africa today! When they landed one of the women said, “I have so...

5 survivors safely landed in their home country in West Africa today! When they landed one of the women said, “I have so much joy for my freedom, that there are no words to express.”⁠ ⁠ These women departed their country of residence, leaving their children and family, in search of work. Upon arriving at the place of employment, it became apparent that these establishments were false employment agencies, and the “employers” took the women’s passports and documentation and confiscated their phones.⁠ ⁠ After these women are stripped of all means of communication and documentation, these "employers" exploited the women making them work excruciating hours without compensation. In many cases, the migrant domestic workers do not receive basic living needs such as shelter, food, and supplies. Many escape these situations, only to be placed in prison for having no legal documents and being accused by their employers for lying. O.U.R. Aftercare facilitates and negotiates with local authorities to gather any necessary paperwork and retrieve any stolen documentation from the survivor’s previous employer. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. gladly purchases the flight tickets and coordinates escorts to and from the airport. Once the survivor has arrived in her home country, an O.U.R. partner will wait patiently for her arrival. Together they will assess whether the survivor has a home to be safely escorted to, or whether a safe house is needed.⁠ The initial support that O.U.R. offers to the survivor is only the beginning. Aftercare partners continue to provide any support necessary once the survivors return safely home. Which includes, but is not limited to, frequent check-ins, follow-up care, mental health therapy, vocational training, and more. See our link in profile for more information about our efforts to support the repatriation of survivors from the Mediterranean to Africa.

5 survivors safely landed in their home country in West Africa today! When they landed one of the women said, “I have so... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COyb3UmgcgN

#BREAKINGNEWS: Reposted from O.U.R.-funded @ksp_k9may and her handler⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Yesterday, May helped the KSP Electronic Cr...

#BREAKINGNEWS: Reposted from O.U.R.-funded @ksp_k9may and her handler⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Yesterday, May helped the KSP Electronic Cr...

#BREAKINGNEWS: Reposted from O.U.R.-funded @ksp_k9may and her handler⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Yesterday, May helped the KSP Electronic Crime Branch along with Homeland Security Investigations execute a search warrant at a residence in Rowan County. The search warrant resulted in an arrest and the rescue of a child. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ I am still in awe of the interaction I was fortunate enough to witness between the child and May later that night. In the midst of everything happening around us, seeing May lean into two tiny arms stretched around her giving her the biggest hug they could and hearing a tiny voice saying “I love you so much, May” between sniffles is something I will never forget.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ May’s shift started at 8:00 yesterday morning and didn’t end until 2:00 this morning. Then just a few hours later, it was off to a school visit for career day. May gives her best every time we go to work and I couldn’t have handpicked a better partner! And now, we snuggle on the couch while I am reminded of how I truly have the best job in the world - I get to be the sidekick to a real life superhero 🐶

#BREAKINGNEWS: Reposted from O.U.R.-funded @ksp_k9may and her handler⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Yesterday, May helped the KSP Electronic Cr... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COv3VeOAOoX

In April, O.U.R.-funded K9 May, helped out law enforcement on a recent case and found evidence that was missed during th...

In April, O.U.R.-funded K9 May, helped out law enforcement on a recent case and found evidence that was missed during th...

In April, O.U.R.-funded K9 May, helped out law enforcement on a recent case and found evidence that was missed during the initial search! K9s like May are critical in quickly locating evidence that would take a human investigator much more time. ⁠ ⁠ K9 May helped out law enforcement in Kentucky in arresting 38-year-old Joseph M. Craig Jr. on charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). ⁠ ⁠ An undercover investigation began after police discovered the suspect was allegedly sharing images of CSAM online. The investigation resulted in a search warrant of a home in Lebanon and all equipment used to commit the crime was seized and sent to a forensic lab. ⁠ ⁠ The suspect was charged with multiple charges of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Joseph M. Craig Jr. is now residing in Marion County Detention Center as the investigation continues. ⁠ ⁠ We are so happy May was able to help out on the operation and alert on evidence that otherwise may not have been found! O.U.R. has funded over 20 K9s around the U.S., like May, who are using their skills to find evidence to help prosecute child predators. ⁠ See our link in profile to read the news story.

In April, O.U.R.-funded K9 May, helped out law enforcement on a recent case and found evidence that was missed during th... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COtc5ezL7i6

17-year-old “Isabelle” grew up in a middle-class family in the regions of Nepal. As with many families in the culture, m...

17-year-old “Isabelle” grew up in a middle-class family in the regions of Nepal. As with many families in the culture, m...

17-year-old “Isabelle” grew up in a middle-class family in the regions of Nepal. As with many families in the culture, marrying one's daughter into child marriage occurs at an alarming rate. Isabelle was forced into child marriage, and when it ended, her vulnerabilities continued to increase. To provide for herself, she started working at a local hotel as a waitress. Unfortunately, soon after she began working it became apparent that this was not a normal “waitressing” job. After she started, Isabelle’s employer began to sexually exploit her and forced her to have sexual encounters with customers at the hotel. When Isabelle tried to leave, her employer emotionally and psychologically manipulated her, telling her that if she tried to leave the hotel, he would tell her family what she had been doing. Out of sheer fear, Isabelle continued to work at the hotel, praying that someday someone would come to find her. That day soon came, as an anti-human trafficking bureau was undergoing an undercover investigation of the hotel and discovered Isabelle and three other survivors there. All the girls were taken out of the employer's vicinity and referred to a partnering aftercare home. O.U.R. came into contact with the home and went to provide services to Isabelle and the other survivors. O.U.R. also gladly agreed to fully fund and sponsor the home. The aftercare home in Nepal is home to 24 girls who are in the process of healing, including the four survivors from the hotel. Food, clothes, medical needs, and shelter are all offered. Trained counselors are there to help them work through their trauma. Non-formal educational tutors are on site as well.  When and if the survivors request legal support, the aftercare home provides all necessary information and knowledge regarding how to take legal action against their offenders. The four survivors, including Isabelle, all agreed to take legal action against their former employer, and O.U.R. and their partners provided legal counseling to facilitate their case.

17-year-old “Isabelle” grew up in a middle-class family in the regions of Nepal. As with many families in the culture, m... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COlUadLAohF

Halloween was approaching, and the O.U.R. Aftercare Team was invited to Central America to vet a facility to potentially...

Halloween was approaching, and the O.U.R. Aftercare Team was invited to Central America to vet a facility to potentially...

Halloween was approaching, and the O.U.R. Aftercare Team was invited to Central America to vet a facility to potentially refer survivors to in the future. The idea dawned on our partner to surprise two of the girls with Halloween costumes of their favorite characters. The next day, Senior Aftercare Specialist Tyler Schwab discovered a package with two Elsa costumes on his doorstep to take to the young survivors. Because our partners knew these girls so well they provided an experience the girls will never forget! At the aftercare home, one of the survivors, Tina, had been in the depths of darkness before she arrived. Tina had undergone the unimaginable at such a young age. She was sexually exploited and abused by her stepdad, and as punishment, her stepdad would exploit her in front of her family members and younger siblings. It was a scene that no child should ever have to experience or witness. Upon arriving at the aftercare home, the O.U.R. Aftercare Team grabbed their luggage and told Tina and her friend that they had a surprise for them. The two young girls huddled around with eagerness, and as Tyler went to open his suitcase, he revealed the two Elsa costumes. Bursting with excitement, the girls grabbed the costumes and immediately went to change. The fellow social workers plugged their phone into the speaker to play “Let it Go” for the girls. As they opened the door, the two survivors were dressed head to toe and began to dance around. Yet, instead of “Let it Go” belting on the speakers, the translated version titled “Libre Soy” echoed throughout the room. “Libre Soy” in Spanish means “I am free.” Before the group were two children whose freedom and innocence were stolen from them at such a young age. To see them now dressed up as their favorite character singing the words “I am free” was a moment captured in time that moved everyone who was there to witness it. This lighthearted scene was a memory that will forever be remembered by O.U.R. Aftercare and a dream that they were grateful to bring to reality.

Halloween was approaching, and the O.U.R. Aftercare Team was invited to Central America to vet a facility to potentially... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COizBorgflz

O.U.R. Aftercare support is always expanding, and we are excited to announce that Green Valley Australian Shepherds just...

O.U.R. Aftercare support is always expanding, and we are excited to announce that Green Valley Australian Shepherds just...

O.U.R. Aftercare support is always expanding, and we are excited to announce that Green Valley Australian Shepherds just donated a second dog that will be placed in a partnering aftercare home once he is trained as an emotional support animal!⁠ ⁠ We are forever grateful to Jeff and Emily Mabey, the owner and operators at Green Valley Australian Shepherds, for raising these angels and donating them to survivors in need. ⁠ ⁠ Animal therapy has the opportunity to directly impact a survivor's experience in the aftercare home. The dog's ability to comfort, help, and love on survivors as an emotional support animal is vital to creating an environment where a survivor feels emotionally supported and safe. ⁠ ⁠ Upon arriving at an aftercare home, it can be daunting and overwhelming to enter into a new environment, where you aren’t familiar with who will be caring for you. Research shows that having a dog there, that you can connect with your very first night helps one feel at peace, safe, and comforted. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. is beyond excited for the continued partnership with Green Valley Aussies and is looking forward to growing and expanding the animal therapy program to new aftercare homes in the future. ⁠ ⁠ Thank you again to @GreenValleyAussies for donating these sweet puppies to survivors in need! We couldn’t do it without you.⁠

O.U.R. Aftercare support is always expanding, and we are excited to announce that Green Valley Australian Shepherds just... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COgJJFVn1-K

O.U.R.-funded K9 Chewie has been out assisting in search warrants in February and March! ⁠ ⁠ Chewie is trained as an Ele...

O.U.R.-funded K9 Chewie has been out assisting in search warrants in February and March! ⁠ ⁠ Chewie is trained as an Ele...

O.U.R.-funded K9 Chewie has been out assisting in search warrants in February and March! ⁠ ⁠ Chewie is trained as an Electronic Storage Device (ESD) Detection K9 to help find small devices that are often hidden and hard to find. He can sniff out the chemical scent and alerts when he locates these types of devices.⁠ ⁠ In the past two months, Chewie has helped law enforcement arrest 29 offenders and rescue multiple survivors. ⁠ ⁠ In one case, he joined local law enforcement with conducting compliance checks on registered sex offenders. Gratefully, with the assistance of Chewie, several individuals were returned to jail for violating their parole conditions. O.U.R. is happy to see Chewie’s skills restoring safety to local communities.⁠ ⁠ Chewie also assisted the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET) in executing a search warrant where the suspect's computer contained over 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Chewie helped with the search and alerted on multiple electronic storage devices on the property. ⁠ ⁠ In March, Chewie and RCCET headed out to a location regarding information that a young girl was possibly being sexually exploited. Upon arriving at the house, RCCET arrested a family member who admitted to taking photos of the young girl. Thankfully, two survivors were removed from the premises during the operation. ⁠ ⁠ Thank you, Chewie, for helping assist law enforcement in apprehending offenders, rescuing survivors, and restoring safety to communities! ⁠ ⁠ Photo Credit: @K9_Chewie

O.U.R.-funded K9 Chewie has been out assisting in search warrants in February and March! ⁠ ⁠ Chewie is trained as an Ele... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COdkXrPriIK

PART 2/2: A monumental day for a graduating class ⁠ ⁠ One of the graduating survivors, “Jennifer,” has had an incredibly...

PART 2/2: A monumental day for a graduating class ⁠ ⁠ One of the graduating survivors, “Jennifer,” has had an incredibly...

PART 2/2: A monumental day for a graduating class ⁠ ⁠ One of the graduating survivors, “Jennifer,” has had an incredibly challenging journey to be where she is now. You may remember hearing her story previously. Jennifer was a happy newlywed, in search of a new employment opportunity to support her new family. Jennifer left her husband and home country in Africa and set out to the Mediterranean to seek employment. As with many employment cases in this region, upon arrival, Jennifer realized that the employment agency was a fraud. The “employers'' took all of her personal belongings and documentation and began to exploit her.⁠ ⁠ Thousands of miles from her husband, with no visible way out of the situation, Jennifer found out that she was pregnant. Without any legal documentation, Jennifer was placed in jail. Unable to return home to her husband, Jennifer was forced into the unbearable circumstances of giving birth while in prison. Her baby was taken to an orphanage. ⁠ ⁠ Once Jennifer was granted permission to be released from prison and return to her home country, a new problem presented itself. Since her baby was born in that country in the prison, the law wouldn’t allow Jennifer to bring her baby back to Africa with her. Law enforcement also needed proof of who the father was, or else Jennifer would also be charged with illegally having a baby out of wedlock. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. worked alongside Jennifer and local law enforcement to get the necessary documentation and paperwork to release her baby to return home with her. After many grueling days, Jennifer returned on a flight to Africa with her baby in hand. ⁠ ⁠ To see Jennifer, now, in her cap and gown all this time later, was a surreal moment for Jennifer and the aftercare staff. Witnessing the strength and courage within Jennifer was a moment O.U.R. would never forget. ⁠ ⁠ Jennifer is one of many survivors who has worked incredibly hard to graduate from the program. O.U.R. and Rahab Uganda are so honored to have helped support these women as they enter the workforce. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for every single one of them.⁠

PART 2/2: A monumental day for a graduating class ⁠ ⁠ One of the graduating survivors, “Jennifer,” has had an incredibly... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/COa_lclBCzc