The Iron Deep community further builds the depths of relationship with each other and The Father by walking together on mission in obedience to our Father's commands. It's very much on our hearts at Iron Deep to obey God when he says to care for “the widow and orphan.” We desire to help stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. This is truly our privilege to help those suffering and in need that will help leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
There are two organizations we have partnered with that are having great impact in the lives of many orphans and widows. Transforming Futures and AIM (Agape International Missions) are two incredibly powerful and fruitful non-profits that are fighting human trafficking in incredible ways.
Transforming Futures is a non-profit organization based in Guatemala. They exist to help transform the futures of children in Guatemala with a more integrative and multi-faceted approach.
The poverty rate in Guatemala is incredibly high. The majority of the population is underserved and vulnerable. The hardships from lack of jobs, education, food and healthcare is only amplified by poor housing and frequent natural disasters. This lends to the continual rise of gangs, drugs and prostitution. On top of the ever increasing obstacles faced by already vulnerable families, the 500,000 orphans of Guatemala have it even harder. While there are some orphanages in Guatemala to care for a portion of these children, they don't equip the children how to be functioning and self-sufficient adults. By the time children age-out of the orphanages, the majority of them end up in prostitution, gangs or drugs.
To break the cycle of poverty and human trafficking, Transforming Futures meets immediate needs of providing food and medical supplies for many of these children and their families. They also poor concrete floors in small homes to help prevent sickness, disease and death. Furthermore, they partner with the orphanages in Guatemala to help train the children with job skills, so they can find proper employment when they age-out of the orphanage. They also helps children with social skill training, trauma & abuse therapy, spiritual development and other educational programs. They provide a loving environment with incredibly talented and caring staff to meet multiple needs of hurting children to help see them succeed.
Pablo Villagran is an Iron Deep member and the founder of Transforming Futures. Pablo formerly worked in a prominent position at the UN, but left this coveted career to more effectively serve the children in Guatemala.
Agape International Missions has been fighting human trafficking for over 18 years and has rescued over 1,600 people. Their SWAT team has helped arrest over 500 traffickers, and their legal team has helped sentence over 1,700 traffickers. They work primarily in Cambodia and Belize rescuing and protecting vulnerable women and children.
In addition to rescuing victims from trafficking, AIM helps them heal through AIM's Restoration Homes where they can stay as long as they need as they're finding the empowerment and equipping they need to sustain a life of freedom. They also gain job skills in AIM's employment centers as sustainable employment helps in preventing further exploitation.
One way we're able to help AIM in creating more jobs for these survivors is by purchasing the products they make at AIM Apparel.
