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Operation Underground Railroad

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LAST UPDATED: January 9th, 2024

Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) is an organization dedicated to eradicating child sex trafficking. Founded in 2013, O.U.R. has crafted and achieved its mission to not just save children from sex trafficking, but to seek justice for those who victimize children. It works with local authorities to arrest those who organize and participate in sex trafficking. Prior to a rescue operation, O.U.R. connects with either the local government or other local care centers to assure that the children saved will receive aftercare.

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The Good

  • International Collaboration
  • Positive Publicity
  • Process Transparency

International Collaboration

Operation Underground Railroad has worked with organizations worldwide to rescue children. In 2017 alone, it carried out operations in the United States, India, Thailand, Haiti, Cambodia, Mexico, and several regions of South America. With each operation, it partners with the local government, law enforcement, and other organizations to ensure that children are rescued safely and given quality aftercare, and the adults involved in the trafficking are arrested legally.

Positive Publicity

While Operation Underground Railroad is not as well known as some other charitable organizations, the publicity it receives is generally positive. In 2016, a movie was made and released about O.U.R. named The Abolitionists. The movie tells of the organization’s founding and documents several “jumps,” in which a trafficking party is successfully stopped. In addition to this movie, producers have made a 10-episode series about the organization.

Process Transparency

Operation Underground Railroad’s website shares a fair amount of information about its process for accomplishing goals. This transparency helps reassure individuals of the organization’s honesty and validity. This has been enhanced with the release of a TV series and documentary movie, which follows the company throughout a mission.

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The Bad

  • Relatively New Organization

Relatively New Organization

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in 2013, which means that the organization has only been in operation for a few years while many other charities have been around for decades. Because it is relatively new, O.U.R. may be subject to certain growing pains that come along with expanding operations.

 

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The Bottom Line

Operation Underground Railroad certainly is an important cause and has received deserved positive publicity for its efforts. The strength of the organization is that it does not limit its work to one region, but coordinates with organizations and governments to stop child sex trafficking on a world-wide scale. While not much information is provided regarding donation use, the organization exposes much of its process, which facilitates transparency. This, in turn, assures individuals that donations are used honestly. Operation Underground Railroad’s efforts to end child sex trafficking are noble and efficient, but to continue running successfully as an organization, it needs individuals to give donations or to volunteer.

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36 Reviews

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Megan Frump

This has been one of my favorite organizations for many years now. I have donated many months I have participated in money, crowd raising events. And have supported their films. They really do so much to help protect women and children from sex traffickers. I have been very happy with this organization and supporting them. They are very transparent with what they spend their money on and where they are helping and how many they’re saving!

10 months ago

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Margaret Beus Richland, WA

We are so happy to be contributing to OUR. We have read a lot about how they are risking much to rescue children and women who have been sold into slavery. The stories are heart breaking but there are happy endings. One of the things that really impresses me is that they don’t just stop at the rescue. They make sure the victims receive counseling and help to adjust and deal with the trauma. This is an amazing organization that is filling a crucial need in today’s world.

3 years ago

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Jake Neeley Logan, UT

The work done Operation Underground Railroad is unmatched in its importance and effectiveness. I have worked with them for more than two years and seen the positive results of their work many times over. Fighting child sex trafficking is extremely difficult, dangerous, and taxing but the OUR team does it so well that many countries and states within the US look to their leadership for help and support. That says a lot.

6 years ago

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Loretta Kansas City, MO

After hearing about Operation Underground Railroad from a documentary, I subscribed to the mailing list to stay updated about the progress of the organization and I must say, more people need to know what strides they are making in ending human trafficking. Their rescue operations are inspiring and the care they give survivors is unmatched! Imagine if they had the funds to do more! When they went back to one town after a big rescue, children were no longer being offered for prostitution, at least openly. How great would it be to see that worldwide?

6 years ago

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Lindsey Newman American Fork, UT

I cannot say enough about OUR. The mission and their drive to stop human trafficking is just so inspiring and pulls and motivates my heart to do more. This charity is constantly fighting for their cause and I would take part in it again and again.

4 years ago

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Mark Fabian Savannah, GA

Tim Ballard and his teams go into places of the world that most of us wouldn't even think of looking up online. Every dollar that you donate goes to rescuing children. This is a great organization, regardless of how young they may be!

4 years ago

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Tricia Sairie Encinitas, CA

I am grateful for this wonderful organization! Tim Ballard and his team are amazing individuals that are willing to place their lives on the line to save our children. I am prooud to be a voluteer for such an important undertaking in bringing awarenes to end salvery.

4 years ago

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Janet Lombardo Amityville, NY

The work that O.U.R. Is doing to stop modern day slavery is making a huge difference all over the globe. I wish more people would get involved and learn more about what they do and how they can help save children from this epidemic.

4 years ago

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Julie Hulett, WY

OUR is an awesome charity. They save children from sex slavery all over the world. But not only that, they rehabilitate those children and provide a safe environment so they can heal emotionally. Truly a unique and worthy charity.

6 years ago

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michelle reid Norton, MA

~The company I am a Wellness Advocate for has a partnership with Operation Underground Railroad and I trust O.U.R and the work they are doing~I support their work by buying Hope Essential Oil~They are a blessing to the children~

6 years ago

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Jace Pleasant Grove, UT

I attended an event where the charity was explained and many of the incredible missions they carry out in order to save these children were shared. I was shocked at the good they are doing even when it requires risking their own lives! I have since then only seen good from the charity.

6 years ago

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Dawn N Thatcher, AZ

Tim Ballard is one of the finest men, and Operation Underground is one of the finest organizations that exist. Their focus on helping those who are in the worst circumstances to be freed when they have no way of doing so themselves is more than honorable. He and OU put themselves in harms way for the benefit and love of others. Everyone ought to be concerned and donate to their great cause.

4 years ago

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Kathryn Robinson Riverton, UT

Operation Underground Railroad is doing amazing things to stop human trafficking. I watched the documentary film "Abolitionists" and was touched by their response to a very difficult and disturbing international problem. I like that OUR works hand in hand with local governments to stop human and sex trafficking. I support their work and have made donations to their cause.

5 years ago

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Luke Smith Parkville, MD

Amazing organization fueled by the purest of causes. With all the divisiveness in the world today, I think we can all agree that what O.U.R. does is one of the most important things out there.

4 years ago

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Debra Graham Fargo, ND

They not only rescue survivors of child trafficking all over the world, but also get traffickers arrested and assist survivors with healing and recovery. This organization is making a huge difference.

4 years ago

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Audra Patch Santee, CA

Amazing Organization that has rescued more than 3000 victims of child sex trafficking...within the past 5 years! Great process and financial transparency. Truly an organization run with efficiency and integrity!

4 years ago

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Antoinette Riverton, UT

I am amazed at the mission of this organization! They are going to great depths to fight evil in dark places. I support this organization monthly. My only regret is to not be able to give more!

6 years ago

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Kimmi Riverton, UT

This is a great charity with a worthwhile cause. I watched their documentary "Abolitionists"and my eyes were opened. They do such great work helping to solve this terrible problem. I love seeing people help raise money for this cause through FB for their birthdays.

5 years ago

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Donna Nunes

I have been giving to O.U.R. for several years. They are an amazing organization to rescue children and help them recover from their trauma. Praise the Lord for O.U.R.!!!

1 year ago

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Grossarth Family Herriman, UT

A great foundation that is concerned about the safety of our children. They work hard to prevent child slavery and provide a better life for those rescued from it.

2 years ago Edited January 25, 2022

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Chris Snell Bloomington, IN

Super impressed by the boldness of action and the quality of support to rescue those being trafficked!! I wish to be a bigger supporter in the future!!

3 years ago

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Darbles32 Managua, MN

There are so many organizations out there but I am so glad this one is more widespread now. These kids truly need the donations in order to stop the evil that is happening

4 years ago

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Cara McAffee Cedar City, UT

An incredible charity that saves life’s and souls. There is only good coming from this. Woman and children’s lifes are at stake here. OUR never disappoints

4 years ago

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Dan Saratoga Springs, UT

They are aware of the problems children are facing outside of our country. They have knowledgeable, capable people with the expertise necessary to combat the problem.

5 years ago

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Laura hetrick Steamboat Springs, CO

This charity does amazing work rescuing kids from sex slavery! This is such a big problem and I am thankful for operations such as this to take the risk to help these kids!

6 years ago

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Jeremy Lucas Eagle Mountain, UT

Their mission is absolutely incredible!! I have donated money to this great cause and know that it is going to help those in need!!!

4 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

I love the program and think it is a great cause. I wish they had a better process for helping and making it larger scale. Seems to help small groups really well.

4 years ago

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Tony Riverton, UT

I can't think of a better charity out there. If you think slavery is a thing of the past, rest assured it's not. OUR has several video documentaries that will open your eyes!

5 years ago

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Kay Granite Bay, CA

The work and service this organization performs is remarkable. What an impact they are having on the world.

4 years ago

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Jake Chambers

O.U.R.'s mission is why I support them, but their people are what makes the mission possible. I applaud your efforts!

4 years ago

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Aleka Hanover, MD

They are saving the lives of our stolen or kidnapped children. Their work is truly inspiring and I support them 100%

4 years ago

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Lily Smithfield, UT

OUR is an amazing organizations that is completely changing the world for the better!! Their shirts are amazing!

6 years ago

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Brittney Miskin Riverton, UT

Great charity for an awesome cause. They have a few movies that have been produce to show actual footage of the good work they do.

5 years ago

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Jowara Morgande

Great customer service. They are a great company and very helpful.

1 year ago

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Kathryn American Fork, UT

Wonderful organization, they do a work that is needed. Incredible people doing an incredible work.

4 years ago

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Courtney carlson South Jordan, UT

So grateful for this program and the difference they are making in this world and our community.

4 years ago