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.
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 CORE VALUES
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