About

ABOUT FREE

For many Americans who hear the words

human trafficking

They think-“It’s a problem that takes place

overseas in some far off country.”

They couldn’t be more wrong.

F.R.E.E.  was  founded in 2007 because founders Michael and Denise Bartel believed then, and still do, that every man, woman and child should be FREE from slavery!

The Bartels, worked with Project Rescue out of Southern Asia to combat human trafficking, and realized the issue was not just a foreign problem. Upon their return to the U.S. they founded FREE International and continued the fight against modern day slavery here in the states.

FREE began by having headquarters in New York City and worked throughout the country to raise awareness about human trafficking, training local communities how to mobilize and be effective in fighting slavery.

Now headquartered in Las Vegas, we have FREE team members who work across the U.S. with local law enforcement, churches, schools, and local and state governments. A core belief of ours is that we are most effective in the fight when the strengths of others are brought to the table and coordinated effectively.

FREE International works in the following ways-

  • Training law enforcement and healthcare agencies how to recognize the signs of being a victim of human trafficking.

  • Administer legal help to survivors.

  • Partnering with a school assembly organization that teaches students about how to recognize and respond to being exploited by traffickers.

  • Coordinate The BIG Search to help cities across the U.S. find local missing children.

  • Partner with an organization that provides shelter and services for underage victims of sex trafficking.

  • Training the hospitality industry how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking and how to work with law enforcement to stop it.

  • Establishing a positive presence in at-risk neighborhoods by meeting the basic needs of the population.

  • Provide prayer support for women working within the commercial sex trade.

  • Lead outreach efforts into brothels and on street corners to commercial sex workers, providing resources and basic needs.

What Others Are Saying-

“F.R.E.E. International has been a trusted partner in our state

showing great creativity, competency and collaborative energy

in building awareness, creating successful outreach

and providing resources and services to

protect young women and children in our state.”

Marty Jackley
South Dakota Attorney General 
President of the National Association 
of Attorneys General

“I had the opportunity to work with FREE International

during the 75th Annual Sturgis Bike Rally. I was impressed

by how the FREE leadership was constantly able to adapt

and find ways to provide for needs while also providing valuable

information to law enforcement organizations.

I look forward to working with them again.”

Jesse Curtis
Custody and Control Program Lead 
Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy