The Demand Project

Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Ian Whitmarsh, Big Mammoth Media

In 2004, Kristin Weis and her then-husband, Jason, sat watching a news story that would forever change their lives. It was a story that no parent could ignore—a man had raped his two-year-old daughter. 

“That completely changed our path and journey,” Kristin recalls. “We had been volunteering through our church and always had a passion to fight for kids, but this took us to a different level.” 

Motivated by an overwhelming desire to help, they started searching for ways to protect vulnerable children, but information was scarce. 

Little did they know, this moment would spark the creation of The Demand Project, a Tulsa-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking, rescuing victims, and offering recovery and rehabilitation programs for survivors.

A Mission Born from Tragedy

Kristin and Jason's journey began with confusion and outrage. 

“We couldn’t understand why people were just watching this story, and why more wasn’t being done to help that little girl,” Kristin explains. 

Over time, they uncovered more about the dark world of human trafficking and the widespread denial surrounding it. Many refused to believe it existed, or that it could happen in their own communities.

Determined to make a difference, Kristin and Jason moved from Colorado to Oklahoma in 2006 to attend Victory Bible College, a faith-based institution where they could deepen their understanding of how to fight these crimes. They quickly discovered that confronting human trafficking was an uphill battle. 

"We worked with local law enforcement, but it was hard," Kristin says. "There’s a lot of denial, and sometimes even powerful people working against you. But we won’t stop as long as there are children out there who need help."

In 2013, they officially founded The Demand Project with a mission to combat human trafficking and exploitation. The organization’s name emphasizes their focus on addressing the demand side of trafficking, recognizing that trafficking flourishes when there’s a market for vulnerable children and adults.

A Multifaceted Approach

The Demand Project takes a comprehensive approach to the issue of human trafficking, focusing on prevention, legal advocacy, rescue, and recovery. 

“We wanted to start with prevention and education,” says Kristin. 

The organization goes into schools to educate children about online safety and predator tactics. By teaching kids to ask themselves questions like, Who did you meet online today? What are you putting out there for the world to see?they help them stay vigilant and safe.

In addition to education, the organization’s legal department plays a critical role in recovering children and adults from trafficking situations. 

“We advocate for the victims and work closely with law enforcement to bring them out of these dangerous situations,” Kristin explains.

But The Demand Project doesn’t stop once a victim has been rescued. They’ve developed both residential and non-residential recovery programs to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives. 

Their residential program can house up to 30 children, although staffing and funding constraints mean they often have a waiting list. 

“Trauma doesn’t always start with trafficking,” Kristin says. “It can start in the school, the home, or the community—places where kids feel vulnerable, and that vulnerability can lead to exploitation and trafficking.”

The recovery program offers a two-year wraparound service, where survivors attend school, receive therapy, and participate in activities like sports, music, and equine therapy. 

“Our goal is to help these children heal and regain their sense of self-worth,” Kristin emphasizes.

The Need for Support

Despite their success, The Demand Project faces constant challenges. Their current budget of $1.5 million isn’t enough to fully fund their operations—ideally, they need between $3 million and $8 million annually. 

“We’re never fully funded,” Kristin admits. “But the crime continues to grow, and so does the need for our services.”

Kristin encourages everyone in the community to get involved in the fight against human trafficking, and she sees a special role for real estate professionals. 

“REALTORS® are out there in neighborhoods, they’re looking at homes and observing dynamics,” she says. “They can be on the front lines of recognizing when something doesn’t feel right.” 

Kristin advises everyone to stay alert—if you see something suspicious, take note of license plates, observe your surroundings, and report it to authorities. “It’s in every financial status and cultural background,” she warns. “Trafficking knows no boundaries.”

Every Dollar Matters

Kristin wants the public to know that they are part of this fight. “We don’t charge for our programs because we don’t want it to be a financial burden for children to seek help,” she explains. “Every dollar matters. We’re so careful with every donation—no amount is too small or too large.”

Donations and volunteer efforts are critical to keeping the organization afloat and expanding their services. The Demand Project relies on a team of 10 full-time employees, nine part-time workers, and around 200 volunteers. But they need five or six more staff members to maintain the campus and increase their capacity for helping more children.

Kristin also highlights the importance of awareness. January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and The Demand Project will be hosting a summit conference on January 9 and 10. This event will bring together service providers, law enforcement, and community members to discuss solutions and strategies for combating trafficking.

How You Can Help

The work of The Demand Project is far from over, and they can’t do it alone. Kristin encourages everyone to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness. “I love solutions,” she says. “And together, we can be part of the solution.”

For more information about The Demand Project or to get involved, visit www.thedemandproject.org or call their office at 539-525-0191. If you need immediate help or know someone who does, call their hotline at 833-914-3116.