Radiating Hope, Freedom, and a Future
By Marilyn Thomas
Lighthouse for Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to eradicating human trafficking, defines this crime as “the force, fraud, or coercion of an individual for commercial sex or forced labor in exchange for something of value (money, clothing, food, etc.).” As a faith-based organization, Lighthouse for Life bases its rejection of human trafficking on the biblical belief that all of humanity is created by God and has been made in His image. Social media, commercials, and the entertainment industry fuel the sexualization of human beings, and some people are willing to pay money to fulfill their selfish desires at the expense of others. Some of the risk factors for a potential victim include a difficult home life, lack of a personal support system, previous abuse, poverty, and addiction. Predators are experts at using these vulnerabilities to manipulate and control others, and the perpetrators of this behavior can be anyone—neighbors, classmates, relatives, or potential employers.
More common than one might realize, human trafficking happens everywhere— even in South Carolina. The state’s Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report for 2025, recently released by Attorney General Alan Wilson, revealed that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated 315 related tips last year, which included more than 300 potential victims, and most of these involved minors.
SLED’s data also disclosed that Lexington and Richland are both of the top five counties in the state where these cases were reported.
In February of 2025, Lighthouse for Life partnered with Fisher Films, a Columbia-based video production studio, to create a documentary entitled “A Slave in Your Backyard.” This film, which has been viewed by thousands on streaming services like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi, “showcases what trafficking looks like in South Carolina by highlighting Heather Pagan’s personal story, as well as many others,” says Lisa Kejr, the chief executive officer of Lighthouse for Life. “It is now making its way through the prison systems and providing a gateway for individuals to come forward with their own stories and seek help!”
Lighthouse for Life, one of the leading organizations in the state combatting this detrimental crime, has adopted a mission to fight back by educating the community and empowering survivors to break free. In addition to providing informative resources online, training service providers, and sharing with the public through presentations statewide, Lighthouse for Life offers valuable assistance directly to those who are at risk or have experienced human trafficking personally.
To empower survivors, Lighthouse for Life oversees several different operations. “In June of 2024,” shares Kejr, “we had the grand opening of The Harbor, our drop-in center for survivor support. This is a location off of St. Andrews Road that we want to be known within the community. It is equipped to provide a warm meal, shower and laundry capabilities, life skills and trauma support classes, community gatherings, and advocacy support!”
After its opening, Lighthouse’s Survivor Support Team was able to assist a woman called “BJ” as she transitioned from a trafficking situation. Upon arriving at The Harbor, she was able to enjoy rest, safety, and warm meals; use their laundry and other facilities; and enroll in a class at the home. During her case investigation, Lighthouse transported her to a safe hotel room and provided her with clothing, groceries, and “a freedom bag,” which contains basic necessities. Because of Lighthouse’s involvement, BJ said, “Just wanted to say thank you for everything you doing for me. I really do appreciate it. These people like you, who give people like me hope.”
While the Harbor welcomes female adults, another safe house they operate, known as Karis Home, is open to minors aged 12 to 21. Moreover, Lighthouse for Life’s Survivor Support Program is available for any situation or individual related to trafficking. “In 2025 alone, our Survivor Support Program came alongside 65 survivors, and 11 individuals who were high risk,” Kejr notes.
In 2025, the organization also established several strategic partnerships, including one with another nonprofit known as “Freedom Signal.” This tech company has created software that allows advocates like Lighthouse for Life to send secure text messages—directly and proactively—to those who are being exploited in online advertisements.
“Through the use of this tool, we were able to engage in over 200 conversations last year, and we look forward to more this year with the hopes that those conversations will eventually lead to lives changed!” says Kejr.
Relatedly, Lighthouse for Life is dedicated to training and providing information about human trafficking. Later this year, the nonprofit will “unveil a video training series for counselors and other direct services providers that will assist them as they seek to come alongside survivors in an understanding trauma-informed way,” explains Kejr. Currently, Lighthouse is also collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Corrections to offer an empowering curriculum entitled “Ending the Game” in the state’s women’s prisons.
To bring awareness to the general public, “We are always open to any opportunities to come meet with individuals, either one on one or in any group capacity, to help them understand the realities of human trafficking better,” Kejr states.
In 2025, the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force launched the South Carolina Safe House Certification Program for service providers who assist human trafficking survivors. In fact, South Carolina is the first state in the nation to implement such a requirement for these kinds of programs, and Lighthouse for
Life was one of four organizations in the state that completed this certification. Members of the community can support Lighthouse for Life’s efforts by giving financially, praying for the volunteers and recipients of services, and volunteering and participating in the organization’s many activities. More information about the nonprofit is available online.
Lighthouse for Life
803-669-0110
For donations please mail: 7320 Broad River Rd., Suite K 247; Irmo, SC 29063
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Text*233722 or call 1-888-373-7888
