Graffiti overlooking a popular area for street prostitution in Berlin, Germany.
OUR MISSION
The Mosaic Initiative combats sex trafficking and exploitation globally through facilitating coalitions, promoting awareness, and the development and distribution of resources.
OUR STORY
A Southern Illinois, faith-based nonprofit organization located in Marion, IL, The Mosaic Initiative started out of a deep conviction to fight for the healing & hope of even one survivor, with the vision to see freedom from exploitation for all.
Our passion for this work is rooted in our Christian faith, we believe we are called to compassionate action, seek justice for the oppressed and to serve others with the love of Christ. Though our purpose is driven by these values and beliefs, we work alongside and serve ALL individuals (of all religions, backgrounds, beliefs, etc.). be
Our goal is to see survivors living empowered lives full of hope, healing, and freedom. We believe wholeheartedly that the answer to effectively combating the injustice of human trafficking is through widespread collaboration amongst groups and individuals.
We long to see the individual, society, global community, and those involved in anti-trafficking efforts working together towards a slavery-free world.
Because EVERYONE deserves to live a life free from exploitation.
You can read more about our projects and goals both locally and globally down below.
OUR WORK
LOCALLY
We understand the urgent need for more services for sex trafficking survivors in our community. To address this, we are currently working to establish and expand our local programs. We plan to build these programs in two stages:
Stage one- COMMUNITY AWARENESS & EDUCATION
An empowered and informed community is imperative to fighting trafficking effectively in our area. We aim to accomplish this through:
Trainings
Speaking Engagements
Community Events
Media
Stage two LONG TERM GOAL- DIRECT SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS
With greater community support and understanding, we aim to establish direct services for survivors in our area. Our long-term goals are to offer
Advocates & Case workers to work directly with Survivors
Advocate on behalf of Survivors with the courts- finding survivors placement in therapeutic residential care
Emergency Placement
INTERNATIONALLY
We have been busy building international partnerships and currently have growing relationships with organizations in 7 countries. Now that restrictions have been lifted for some time and international work is more feasible we look forward to continuing to build these relationships and form formal partnerships.
INDIA
RECOVERY OPERATIONS
In partnership with Transforming Lives Foundation India we are working to free individuals from sex trafficking or “flesh trade” as it is often called in India. This is accomplished through a series of undercover operations and raids. Each operation cost generally $800-$1,000 but can vary based on each cases needs. You can read about different raids our partners have conducted in several new articles found here. As a part of these efforts, the team makes a specific effort to ensure arrests are made of those involved with the trafficking the minors. Prosecutable cases are then built against traffickers and purchasers alike. The survivors are given the option to either reunite with their families and return home (if the family is uninvolved), or be found placement in residential therapeutic homes. In these homes they receive holistic support and often even vocational training as they work through healing from their abuse.
In the past year of partnership with Transforming Lives foundation we have funded several recovery operations. Due to these operations 32 individuals were recovered from sex trafficking (25 adults and 7 minors). A number of these survivors chose to be found placement in rehabilitative care, while others chose to return home and were reunited with their family. 18 offenders (buyers and traffickers) were arrested with strong prosecutable cases built against them.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DOCUMENTARY
As a part of our partnership with Red Rope International we filmed a documentary covering the realities of anti human trafficking efforts in India. We are currently in the editing phase of production and are excited to have the film available for purchase or large screenings once the documentary is released!
The Documentary served a cross-sector collaborative effort. We are looking forward to sharing the stories and interviews from Survivors, NGOs, Government Officials and Law Enforcement.
RED ROPE MOVEMENT
We are currently building partnerships and collaborative efforts in India with a local anti-trafficking organization called Red Rope Movement. Our long-term goal with Red Rope Movement International is to one day start a vocational training/resource center, as well as a therapeutic residential home for young trafficking survivors in India.
MALAWI
In 2021 & 2022 we worked to help fund several projects (new printer, computer to keep case files, mattresses and curtains for a local Special Victims Unit, a survivors school supplies and fees for a term, etc) and needs of a local anti-trafficking organization called When the Saints.
We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with WTS in the future.
https://www.whenthesaints.com/
LIBERIA
Liberia- We recently covered the cost for 20 parents and 10 local authorities to attend a workshop training in the prevention of teen pregnancy and child marriage. You can read about the organization we support here.
CONTACT US
contactus@themosaicinitiative.org
MARION, IL
(812)890-7646