“Let it not be said I was silent when they needed me.”
– William Wilberforce
Lantern Rescue is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. EIN: 85-0713747
WHO WE ARE
About Us
Lantern Rescue is a U.S. based 501c3 non-profit organization that rescues exploited, persecuted, and displaced individuals and families.
We work domestically and internationally to create sustainable partnerships with local government entities, international organizations, and military and law enforcement personnel.
We will continue to fight until all are free.
Combating the world’s fastest-growing criminal industry exploiting vulnerable individuals around the world.
Removing individuals and families from places of persecution and extreme violence or threat of death as a result of their faith.
Providing safety, vital networks, and resources to individuals and families currently stuck in conflict zones.
Where WE OPERATE
We Operate With Integrity
WE DO WHAT WE SAY WE DO.
Our mission is to rescue the exploited, persecuted, and displaced across the globe. At the core of this pledge, we hold true to operating with integrity in all things.
We aren’t here to play politics or fight for any sort of prestige- we are here to save lives. We always structure our operations to partner with national jurisdiction law enforcement (NOT local players) working at national levels throughout the entirety of the mission to get the job done.
WE PUT THE WORK IN.
We don’t cut corners, because we know lives are at stake. The work begins well before the operation itself, as we pioneer for months to build up an investigation while providing services free of charge. We spend countless hours ensuring intentional vetting of government officials, law enforcement and intelligence networks. Building these trusted relationships allow Lantern to create a successful operation framework. We are insistent in our training of law enforcement and strive to construct teams proficient in their knowledge and skill concerning the work at hand.
WE HOLD THE INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY PARAMOUNT
We always seek to help and never to harm. The well-being of each individual we care for and the sustainability of the programs we establish far outweigh any promotion or prestige of Lantern Rescue. Long-term change is not just a goal, it is a necessity.
WE ONLY MAKE CLAIMS OF OUR OWN WORK WITH TRUTH AND TRANSPERANCY
Unfortunately, many claim work that is not their own to increase stakeholder support. We will only claim the work we actually do in the field. In every step we take, we involve local personnel and law enforcement to foster and develop real change.
WE DON'T STOP AT RESCUING THE VICTIM
After raids, extractions, and relocation to safety, we highly vet aftercare services to integrate into the process of healing. We ask extensive questions to ensure facilities are equipped to truly support and care for victims. Lantern leverages legally recognized and licensed facilities. In addition to rescuing victims, we also seek to build out penal codes to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We ensure adequate care and safety until our support is no longer required.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE ADVOCACY OF VICTIMS
We advocate for the rescued by ensuring their stories are told without exploiting or re-exposing them. All aftercare support for victims must involve a local licensed social worker who ultimately helps to build capacity in-country and enhance foreign government response in supporting those who have been exploited.
WE MAKE SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS
This is an important principle we continue to uphold as we continue to grow and expand our operations. Lantern focuses on building capacity from the ground up and partnering with local professionals, using limited staffing from the USA. We value each donor and each person who trusts us with funds given. We affirm our donors by ensuring their funds are spent in the most effective way possible to achieve our mission.
WE'VE CHOSEN THE GLOBAL FIGHT
Though we are aware that human trafficking, persecution, and economic/war crises exist within the United States, each of our U.S. team members have made the decision to move out of their career in law enforcement and government positions in order to commit all they have to fight for those greatly in need. Previous careers have equipped our team for the mission and allow them to still advise in every country (including the United States) on how to better identify, rescue, and restore those who are at risk. Though the shift of location changes the authorization to conduct raids or arrests within the US, it has allowed our team members to become deputized by foreign law enforcement partners to train and equip them with knowledge and resources they are otherwise lacking.