#United States #Minneapolis #Human Trafficking #OUR RESCUE

Our Rescue Withdraws from Minneapolis Proposal

The global non-governmental organization, Our Rescue, has recently taken a significant step back from its commitment to assist in supporting the Minneapolis Community Safety Center. This withdrawal stems from various criticism encountered from local community groups, particularly concerning misinformation surrounding the organization’s intentions and the previous leadership decisions made under its former CEO.

The proposal was centered around a no-cost request for proposal (RFP) that Our Rescue had presented, intending to utilize its own resources to provide $1 million for specialized training of law enforcement and community leaders. The aim was to enhance anti-trafficking strategies within the city. However, community concerns, fueled by misunderstandings regarding the organization’s past, influenced this decision.

Tammy Lee, CEO of Our Rescue, expressed her frustration, highlighting that the organization's mission to combat human trafficking and exploitation is being overshadowed by misinformation and political maneuvers that diverge from their crucial work. Lee, who previously led anti-trafficking programs at various esteemed companies and participated in the White House Interagency Task Force, reassured the commitment to provide direct funding to local authorities, first responders, and other nonprofits involved in similar missions within Minnesota.

Since transitioning to new leadership, Our Rescue has rebranded itself and revitalized its focus on combating sex trafficking on both a domestic and international scale. Over the past year, the organization has established a new board of directors, paving the way for a fresh vision and clear objectives that underscore their operations across 27 countries including the U.S.

In 2024 alone, the NGO has significantly impacted local law enforcement, providing 16 intensive training programs for over 1,500 police officers, thereby enhancing their ability to identify and assist trafficking victims. Notably, this initiative has resulted in the identification of 274 trafficking victims and provided grants to law enforcement agencies, facilitating advanced technology for investigations.

Our Rescue has also been proactive in introducing specialized K9 units trained to locate digital storage devices linked to child exploitation, thus empowering police to gather necessary evidence for the apprehension of offenders. Furthermore, the organization has extended its outreach by aiding survivors through housing, medical assistance, and vocational training, demonstrating a holistic approach toward recovery and support.

Despite stepping back from the Minneapolis Community Safety Center, the organization has recently undertaken other significant initiatives; they awarded a $50,000 grant to the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center and a $10,000 grant to Terebinth Refuge, targeting services for vulnerable women and youth in the region.

Our Rescue relocated its headquarters to Minneapolis, operating in close alliance with local officials to explore existing resource gaps and contribute effectively to combating trafficking. By actively engaging in community-based efforts and fundraising endeavors, they are set on expanding direct support services for survivors, addressing threats posed by human trafficking creators.

The organization firmly believes that collaboration is paramount. Derek Benner, Chief Mission Officer at Our Rescue, underscored a collective responsibility aimed at driving change through unity rather than rivalry. Amidst escalating rates of human trafficking, marked by over 8,600 CyberTipline reports in Minnesota in 2023 alone, their mission remains critical.

Our Rescue champions a conjoined force against trafficking, reminding that the alliance with other entities is fundamental to realizing progress in this essential cause. Only through cooperation can the fruits of their labor truly be felt in Minnesota and worldwide, infinitely augmenting the fight to eliminate human trafficking and child exploitation.