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Our Mission
Project LIGHT (Let’s Interrupt Growing Human Trafficking) exists to interrupt the cycle of human trafficking and exploitation through prevention, awareness, and survivor support.
We work to educate and equip individuals, families, schools, churches, businesses, and community partners to recognize the signs of trafficking and exploitation, respond with wisdom and compassion, and help create safer communities for the vulnerable.
Our mission is rooted in a simple but urgent call:
REACH the vulnerable. RESPOND to the exploited. RESTORE the survivor.
Project LIGHT stands in the gap for those at risk, those being exploited, and those working to rebuild their lives after trauma. Through education, collaboration, and survivor-centered support, we are committed to bringing light into places where exploitation often hides.
The Cycle of Exploitation
Exploitation often follows a cycle. Vulnerability creates opportunity. Opportunity can lead to exploitation. And exploitation leaves trauma that can deepen vulnerability and make the cycle even harder to escape.
Project LIGHT exists to interrupt that cycle.
Through prevention, we work to reduce vulnerability before exploitation begins. Through awareness, we equip communities to recognize the signs and respond when something is wrong. And by restoring the survivor, we walk alongside those who have experienced exploitation as they move toward safety, stability, and hope.
Every point in the cycle is an opportunity to interrupt exploitation—and help change the story.
How We Interrupt the Cycle
Prevention
Reducing vulnerability before exploitation begins.
We provide education and resources that help youth, families, and communities understand grooming, exploitation, and the tactics used by those who seek to exploit others.
Awareness
Equipping people to recognize and respond.
Through training and community partnerships, we help people understand the realities of human trafficking, identify warning signs, and know how to respond appropriately.
Restoration
Walking alongside survivors toward safety, stability, and hope.
We provide survivor-centered support, advocacy, practical assistance, and connections to trusted partners and resources that help survivors begin rebuilding their lives.
Our History
Project LIGHT was founded in Rowan County by Dr. Jim and Linda Duncan, who recognized a growing need in our community for awareness, education, and action surrounding the hidden realities of human trafficking and child exploitation.
What began as a local effort to shine light on an often-overlooked issue has grown into a trusted resource for prevention education, community training, survivor support, and collaboration with law enforcement, schools, churches, civic groups, and nonprofit partners.
Over the years, Project LIGHT has continued to expand its reach across Rowan and surrounding counties, providing presentations, trainings, resources, and direct support to individuals and families impacted by exploitation.
As the needs of our community have grown, so has our work. Today, Project LIGHT remains focused on interrupting exploitation before it happens, helping communities recognize and respond to warning signs, and supporting survivors as they move toward safety, stability, and restoration.
Our Team
Our team and Board of Directors are united by a passion for serving others and creating safer futures for children and families. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment help guide Project LIGHT's efforts to educate, advocate, and bring hope to those who need it.