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OUR STORY
On March 30, 2012, our founder sat at a table for two at KFC across from a
23-year-old Ugandan woman who had been tricked and trafficked to Asia.
After telling her horrific story of abuse, Sarah* paused:
“I don’t want to do this job. I want to go home. Will you help me?”
RED OAK WAS BORN THAT DAY
Six weeks later, on May 12, Sarah went home to freedom.
We thought we were done, but suddenly more and more women contacted us for help.
We saw the massive need, and we continued to respond.
Since 2012, Red Oak has grown into something bigger than we ever could have imagined.
What started as an individual response to an individual need has become
a global force for women's empowerment, community development, and social justice.
We have seen an incredible amount of darkness and suffering—more than we even thought possible.
And yet, in the midst of such darkness, we have also seen remarkable resilience and strength.
The women and children we work with challenge us each daily to keep fighting and never give up hope.
They are our teachers and our friends, and we are forever grateful to those
who have allowed us to come alongside them on this journey.
IT'S BEEN A WILD, MESSY, AND BEAUTIFUL ROAD.
AND WE FULLY BELIEVE THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
ASIA
Bride Trafficking
Sexual Exploitation
Sex Trafficking
Economic Empowerment
UGANDA
Economic Empowerment
Government Support
Sexual Exploitation
Sex Trafficking
UNITED STATES
Sexual Exploitation
Sex Trafficking
Transitional Housing
Vocational Training
WHERE WE WORK
Our headquarters are in Austin, TX, with partnerships and field offices all around the world.
Hover above for more information on focus areas globally.
OUR BOARD
As a 501c3, we are led by an incredible board of directors including:
To contact our board with any questions or comments, please email our board chair at board@redoakhope.org
Kathy Smith-Willman, board chair
Angie Redfern
Kripa Nerlikar
Lara Dye, PhD
Jennifer Medrano, treasurer
Jon Cheek
Leslie Ward
Rebecca Kan
OUR CORE VALUES
Sustainability
We prioritize sustainability of beneficiaries, staff, and programs-- encouraging independency and long-term development.
Partnership
We believe in the power of partnership and seek to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders in order to combat the complex issues that cause exploitation, and provide holistic care to clients and communities.
Excellence
We aim for excellence, professionalism, and best practice in all aspects of our organization, always evaluating and improving programs and procecsses in order to best serve clients, staff, donors, and communities
Faith
Many of our staff are motivated by a Christian faith and belief in God's heart for justice and resoration, however we are inclusive and honoring of people of all faiths or no faiths in every aspect of our work.
Dignity
We honor the dignity, privacy, and agency of very individual and seek to honestly communicate the nuance involved in the issues of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation-- refusing to sensationalize, oversimplify, or overshare.