Freeing The Captives
Free the Captives is a Houston-based faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2009, that rescues and restores teen sex trafficking survivors (ages 12-18) through survivor care, the New Creations candle-making job program, prevention mentoring, and demand-reduction campaigns in partnership with law enforcement.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersSpring, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Freeing The Captives does
Free the Captives (legal name; DBA: Free The Captives Houston) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 by attorney Julie Waters, JD, and headquartered at 2211 Rayford Road, Suite 111-418, Spring, Texas. The organization fights teen sex trafficking in the greater Houston area, with its primary service population being trafficking survivors aged 12-18 and at-risk teenage girls. Programs span five pillars: Rescue (law enforcement partnership with HPD for victim identification and recovery), Restore (Survivor Care Services including support groups, mentoring, shelter referrals, educational services such as GED and college scholarships, medical/dental assistance, and legal aid including T-visa and record expungement), Employ (the New Creations candle-making job program producing hand-poured soy candles at $20 per candle or $240 per case), Prevent (small-group mentoring for at-risk teen girls), and Deter (demand-reduction campaigns targeting buyers/Johns in partnership with the Harris County Sheriff's Office).
The organization operates with a small staff (1-10 employees) and a large volunteer base, supported by individual donors, faith-based community partners, corporate sponsors, and a network of Houston-area churches. Annual fundraising events include the Houston Human Trafficking Conference, Freedom Fest and 5K, Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament, Moscow Ballet Gala, HeArt for Freedom Art Show, and Christmas Market. Revenue mechanics are diversified across monthly recurring donations ($50-$2,500/month tiers via PayPal), one-time donations, event registration and sponsorship fees, candle sales through e-commerce and four partner retail locations, and bulk church candle orders.
Free the Captives conducted original regional research with the Imagine Foundation in 2014 documenting Houston's sex trafficking market via Backpage analysis. Distribution is single-country and primarily Houston-metro (Alief, Baytown, Greenspoint, Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Cypress, Katy, The Woodlands), with educational speaker services extending nationally. The organization has no proprietary technology platform; its digital footprint is a WordPress website, social media channels, and standard online payment processing.
Freeing The Captives firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Freeing The Captives
- Legal name
- Free the Captives
- Website
- https://freethecaptiveshouston.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Free the Captives is a Houston-based faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2009, that rescues and restores teen sex trafficking survivors (ages 12-18) through survivor care, the New Creations candle-making job program, prevention mentoring, and demand-reduction campaigns in partnership with law enforcement.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Freeing The Captives industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Anti-Trafficking Survivor Services
- NAICS
- Child and Youth Services (62411)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Legal Aid & Client Advocacy Services (BPAGAEAM), Protection Services (GBV, Child Protection, Legal Aid) (BPADADAH), Victim Services & Witness Assistance (Justice System) (BPAIAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Freeing The Captives is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Spring
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Freeing The Captives business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Free the Captives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit primarily supported by donors. Monthly recurring donations available via PayPal.
- $50 for Freedom Campaign: Targeted donation campaign seeking 300 people to donate $50 each. Donations provide specific items for trafficking victims including Bibles, journals, transportation, meals, hygiene products, clothing, interview outfits, and GED tutoring.
- Candle Sales (New Creations Job Program): Hand-poured soy candles made by teen trafficking survivors sold online and at events. Case sales at $20 per candle (12 candles per case). Provides job training and income for survivors.
- Event Tickets and Sponsorships: Annual Houston Human Trafficking Conference ($30-$60 per person), golf tournament ($150 per person), galas, and other fundraising events with sponsorship opportunities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Houston Human Trafficking Conference pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 3rd Annual Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Candle Sales (New Creations Job Program) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Recurring Donations |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels14 records
Freeing The Captives product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Free the Captives is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues and restores teenaged sex trafficking victims (ages 12-18) in the Houston area. Direct services include rescue coordination with law enforcement, survivor support groups, mentoring, job training through the New Creations candle-making program, tutoring, medical/dental referrals, legal/advocacy services, and shelter referrals. The organization also runs demand-reduction campaigns targeting buyers and hosts annual awareness/fundraising events such as the Houston Human Trafficking Conference, Freedom Fest and 5K, and the Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament.
Product overview
Free the Captives is a faith-based nonprofit organization (not a technology company) that offers a portfolio of anti-trafficking programs and services rather than a unified software product. The core programs include: New Creations (job program employing survivors through candle-making), Survivor Care Services (rescue assistance, support groups, safe home referrals, education, job prep, legal services), Prevention/Mentoring, and Demand Reduction advocacy. Supporting programs include the annual Houston Human Trafficking Conference, Freedom Fest 5K, #WeSeeYou Rally, HeArt for Freedom Art Show, Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament, Moscow Ballet Gala, and Christmas Market. Additional services include human trafficking speaker/education services, research initiatives, and comprehensive volunteer training. The organization does not operate as a platform product with modules or add-ons, but rather as a collection of direct service programs, advocacy campaigns, fundraising events, and educational initiatives focused on rescuing and restoring teen sex trafficking victims in Houston.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- New Creations: Job program for teen trafficking survivors that produces hand-poured soy candles, providing employment, life skills, and restoration.
- $50 for Freedom
- #WeSeeYou Rally
- Houston Human Trafficking Conference
Products and services
- New Creations Job Program (Soy Candles) A survivor-employment job program that produces and sells hand-poured soy candles made by teen trafficking survivors. The program provides employment, vocational training, life skills, and income for survivors ages 12-18, with candles sold online at $20 per candle and $240 per case of 12, as well as through partner retail locations.
- Houston Human Trafficking Conference Annual training conference held at the Houston Food Bank (535 Portwall Street) that educates and trains nonprofit and ministry leaders, community members, and faith-based volunteers on human trafficking awareness and prevention. Registration tiers range from $30 early-bird to $60 at the door.
- Freedom Fest and 5K Annual awareness run/walk event held at Mason Park in Houston's East End, featuring a 5K, kids 1K, festival with free food, games, music, and educational booths on human trafficking. Past events have drawn 800+ runners, 1,000+ attendees, and 300+ volunteers.
- Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament Annual fundraising golf tournament presented by Christian Brothers Automotive at Tour 18 Golf Course. Entry fees are $150 per person or $600 per 4-person team, with sponsorship tiers ranging from $1,000 (Hole Sponsor) to $25,000 (Presenting Sponsor). Includes a silent auction.
- HeArt for Freedom Art Show Annual art show and auction held at The Church at 1548 Heights, where the fine arts community responds to human trafficking through world-class art purchases supporting Free the Captives' programs.
- Moscow Ballet Gala Annual gala featuring Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker performance held at Houston Baptist University, with proceeds supporting teen trafficking victims through jobs, housing, mentoring, and material assistance.
- Christmas Market Annual holiday shopping market hosted at Crosspoint Church (Bellaire) with vendors donating 15% of sales to Free the Captives. Free admission for shoppers.
Quantifiable outcome
- No girls sold on Bissonnet Street for 2 days during #WeSeeYou Rally
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Freeing The Captives
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Freeing The Captives technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Freeing The Captives partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Harris County Sheriff's OfficecorePartnership for 'Buy Sex? Bye, bye Freedom!' billboard, TV and radio campaign targeting buyers. Collaboration led to increase in number of men arrested for buying sex. Joint efforts to shift focus onto buyers and raise awareness to potential buyers.
- Imagine FoundationcoreResearch partner for Backpage study. Five-month study of Backpage ads comparing Houston to Manhattan and North Jersey during Super Bowl 2014. Released study confirming Houston as major hub for sex trafficking.
- Houston Police Department (HPD)corePartnership for rescue operations of trafficking victims. Collaboration on youth police advisory committee. Joint efforts leading to successful rescue operations and arrests of traffickers.
- Bridgepoint Bible ChurchcorePrimary venue for volunteer meetings and event planning. Hosts monthly volunteer meetings, 5K planning meetings, and in-depth volunteer training sessions. Location: 13277 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079.
- Crosspoint Church (Bellaire)coreHost venue for Annual Christmas Market. Location: 4601 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401. 15% of vendor sales benefits Free the Captives.
- Houston Food BankminorVenue for Annual Houston Human Trafficking Conference. Location: 535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX 77029.
- Christian Brothers AutomotivemajorPresenting Sponsor for 3rd Annual Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament.
- CenterPoint Community ChurchminorHost venue for inaugural golf tournament on May 22 at Battleground at Deer Park Golf Course.
- The Church at 1548 HeightsminorHost venue for HeArt for Freedom art show and auction. Historic 1920s building at 1548 Heights Blvd, Houston 77008.
- Moscow BalletcorePartnership for annual Great Russian Nutcracker performance as fundraising event. Proceeds benefit Free the Captives' programs for teen trafficking survivors.
- Shell Oil (Creative Services Team)minorVolunteer graphic design services for candle label design.
- EarthColor HoustonminorDonated printing services for candle labels and tags.
- A 2nd CupminorCoffee shop at 1111 E. 11th St., Houston, TX 77009 that sells candles made by teen trafficking survivors. Also accepts purse donations for online boutique.
- College of Biblical Studies BookstoreminorBookstore in Southwest Houston that sells candles made by teen trafficking survivors.
- Spring Pearl DentalminorDental office in Spring/The Woodlands that sells candles made by teen trafficking survivors.
- Shops Down UnderminorRetail location in Downtown Houston that sells candles made by teen trafficking survivors.
- Rebecca Allen ArtminorArtist who designed New Creations candle catalogue.
- Fox26minorMedia partner for 5K sponsorship and coverage of Modern Day Slave Auction event.
- Lance BerkmancoreLegendary baseball player who spoke at #WeSeeYou Rally and hosted sold-out fundraising luncheon that raised $100,000 for teen trafficking victims.
- First Baptist Church FriendswoodminorChurch sponsor for Freedom Fest and 5K event.
- Kingsland Baptist ChurchminorChurch sponsor for Freedom Fest and 5K event.
- The Woodlands United Methodist ChurchminorChurch sponsor for Freedom Fest and 5K event.
- Weingarten RealtyminorCorporate sponsor for Freedom Fest and 5K event.
- Sugar Land Baptist ChurchminorPurchased 7-10 cases of candles in bulk for their church.
- Second Baptist Church (North Campus)minorPurchased 5 cases of candles in bulk for their church.
- Houston Chinese ChurchminorPurchased 4 cases of candles in bulk for their church.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Freeing The Captives competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services): NYC-based nonprofit providing direct services, mentoring, education, advocacy, and housing for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking, primarily serving young women ages 12-24 — a near-identical mission profile to Free The Captives' teen survivor segment.
- Shared Hope International: Anti-trafficking organization operating the Demand.An.End framework for demand-side intervention alongside survivor aftercare and justice-system engagement — comparable dual focus on victim services and demand reduction.
- love146: Survivor-care and prevention education organization serving commercially sexually exploited youth, with U.S. and international aftercare homes — closely comparable in age-segment targeting and survivor-aftercare model.
- A21: International anti-trafficking organization operating prevention, aftercare (Walk Free), and justice-programming pillars. Comparable full-stack vertical across rescue/restore/prevent, though operating at much larger scale across multiple countries.
- Traffick911: North Texas-based nonprofit specifically serving child victims of sex trafficking with crisis response teams, survivor care, and prevention education — directly comparable scope (child trafficking) and similar small-staff operating model in a neighboring Texas metro.
Broad incumbents
- International Justice Mission (IJM): Large, well-funded global organization conducting rescue operations, aftercare, and prosecution support across multiple countries — operates at much greater scale but shares law-enforcement-integrated rescue and survivor-aftercare orientation.
- Polaris (formerly Polaris Project): National anti-trafficking organization operating the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, data-driven intervention models, and policy advocacy. Broader national footprint but operates an adjacent survivor-services category.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): Established national organization operating the CyberTipline and supporting recovery and services for exploited/missing children across the U.S. — adjacent at the federal-policy and child-protection level with overlap on FTC's served age range.
Regional players
- UnBound Houston / Unchained Ministries: Houston-area faith-based anti-trafficking organizations providing survivor restoration and prevention programming — directly comparable audience, geography, and faith-based positioning within the same Houston metro service area.
Emerging players
- Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children: Technology-forward anti-trafficking organization building tools (Spotlight, Thorn for Parents) for identifying trafficking victims and disrupting abuse online — adjacent category using technology and research to combat child sex trafficking.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Freeing The Captives social profiles
Digital presenceFreeing The Captives financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Freeing The Captives leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Freeing The Captives funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Freeing The Captives M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Freeing The Captives
What does Freeing The Captives do?
Free the Captives is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues and restores teenaged sex trafficking victims (ages 12-18) in the Houston area. Direct services include rescue coordination with law enforcement, survivor support groups, mentoring, job training through the New Creations candle-making program, tutoring, medical/dental referrals, legal/advocacy services, and shelter referrals. The organization also runs demand-reduction campaigns targeting buyers and hosts annual awareness/fundraising events such as the Houston Human Trafficking Conference, Freedom Fest and 5K, and the Anti-Trafficking Golf Tournament.
Is Freeing The Captives a public or private company?
Freeing The Captives is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Freeing The Captives founded?
Freeing The Captives was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Freeing The Captives based?
Freeing The Captives is headquartered in Spring, United States, in the North America region.
How does Freeing The Captives make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are $50 for Freedom Campaign, candle Sales (New Creations Job Program) and event Tickets and Sponsorships.
Who are Freeing The Captives's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services), Shared Hope International, love146, A21 and Traffick911. Broad incumbents are International Justice Mission (IJM), Polaris (formerly Polaris Project) and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). UnBound Houston / Unchained Ministries is listed as a regional player. Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children is listed as an emerging player.
Does Freeing The Captives have an API?
No public API is recorded for Freeing The Captives.
What industry is Freeing The Captives in?
Freeing The Captives's product category is Anti-Trafficking Survivor Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAM, Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAM, Legal Aid & Client Advocacy Services. Its NAICS code is 62411 and its SIC code is 8300.