Young woman smiling at the camera on a beach, symbolizing hope, resilience, and freedom.

From Captivity to Community

Housing for youth recovering from human trafficking

Human Trafficking Is Closer Than You Think

The average age of a trafficking victim in the United States is just 13–15 years old, and many are targeted by someone they know—often a family member. Within 36 hours of running away, 1 in 3 teens in Iowa is approached for commercial sexual exploitation.

Broken shackles representing freedom from trafficking and exploitation

In 2023, the Iowa Human Trafficking Hotline identified 72 cases involving 178 victims. It is estimated that
only about 1% of cases are reported.

Bed symbolizing safe shelter and rest for survivors of human trafficking.

Iowa has less than 10 beds dedicated to restoration care for trafficked children.

Hands tied with rope, symbolizing human trafficking and captivity

About 8,600 Iowans
fall victim to trafficking each year, many of them children.

But together, we can change that.

LEARN MORE

Restoration Begins with Refuge

At Let My Children Go, we believe restoration takes time, trust, and a loving environment. That’s why we’re launching a multi-phase strategy:

Step 1 of 3: Yellow segment shaped like western Iowa, representing the first phase of the process.

Establish a long-term Restoration Home offering shelter, therapy, education, and 24/7 trauma-informed care.

Step 2 of 3: Blue arrow pointing right, forming the middle section of Iowa in a three-step process.

Open a Safe House for short-term crisis care and medical support.

Step 3 of 3: Teal segment shaped like eastern Iowa, completing the state outline and final phase of the process.

Expand this model across Iowa, starting a community-based approach to ending human trafficking.

Colorful graphic of Iowa formed by merging three sequential arrow segments, symbolizing a three-step process.

Your partnership can bring this vision to life.

DONATE NOW

You Can Make a Difference

Whether you have time, resources, or a heart to help, there is a way for you to stand with these children. You can donate, volunteer, host events, or simply spread the word.

Donate

Help provide safe housing, food, clothing and needed trauma-informed counseling.

Three diverse women talking and smiling on a bench, symbolizing community and peer support.

Volunteer

Offer your time, skills, or presence—from mentoring to helping with meals, transportation, or home renovations.

VOLUNTEER

Young woman in a beanie and scarf standing in sunlight, representing strength and reflection.

Partner

If you represent an agency, ministry, or service provider, we welcome your collaboration.

PARTNER

GET INVOLVED

Iowa farmland with green fields, silos, and dramatic clouds under a clear blue sky.

Now is the Time to Act

Here in Iowa, we’re known for more than just our fields and small towns—we are known for the strength of our communities. When someone is in need, we show up. Whether it’s bringing a meal, offering a ride, or organizing help behind the scenes, Iowans have a deep-rooted tradition of neighborly compassion and quiet courage.

Now, we face a crisis that demands that same spirit—the lives of children in our own backyard are at risk.

This is not just someone else’s problem. God calls us to care for the vulnerable, to be protectors of peace and restorers of broken things. We must respond to this need. It’s ours to carry together, with grace, grit, and Gospel-centered love.

Let My Children Go invites you to step out in faith and act with the goodness you’ve always carried—the goodness that makes Iowa home.

Whether you give, volunteer, partner, or pray, your willingness to "say yes" could change the entire course of a child’s life.

GET INVOLVED

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Group of young adults standing in a circle holding hands outdoors, symbolizing unity, trust, and community support.