Human Trafficking is among the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world.
After working for more than ten years as a special agent for the United States Department of Homeland Security, Tim Ballard, retired from DHS in 2013 to start a nonprofit organization to rescue trafficked and exploited children worldwide. The goal of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) is to deter, disrupt, dismantle, and completely eradicate child exploitation and child trafficking around the world.
The O.U.R. extraction teams are made up of highly skilled professionals who work in a coordinated effort with local law enforcement both in the states and abroad. They are not a vigilante team. O.U.R. fills the gaps in resources created by budget shortfalls. These resources can include any number of things such as tactical expertise, equipment, extra trained agents on the ground, etc. To date, O.U.R. has assisted law enforcement in the rescue of more than 6,000+ survivors and the arrests of 4,000+ predators.
Sound of Freedom
Released last month, the movie Sound of Freedom is based on the story of Ballard’s career, his rescues, and what led him to start O.U.R. It stars Jim Caviezel as Ballard and highlights one of his first missions to free dozens of children from sex trafficking and exploitation. It is a story of the fight for freedom and hope, even in the darkest of places.
By raising awareness with this movie, O.U.R. hopes to propel a movement that will save millions of children around the world. You can find showtimes at here with new theaters added daily. If the price of the ticket keeps you from going, generous fans have Paid it Forward with tens of thousands of free tickets for the film. If you would like help others, visit Pay it Forward.
Lexington Rescue Run
South Carolina O.U.R. volunteers have grown from 50 members a few years ago to more than 320 members today. One Lexington volunteer, Christi Mayo, started a 5K race to raise funds and awareness for O.U.R. The first Lexington Rescue Run was held in March 2019 and takes place annually at the Red Bank Arena which offers plenty of parking, a playground, and bathrooms. It is a family-friendly event and spectators are welcome. Participants receive an O.U.R. Rescue Run t-shirt. The next race will be on March 9, 2024, and all proceeds go directly to O.U.R. Visit their website for updates and more information.