Our Story
The Mission Behind the Movement
We exist because exploitation thrives when communities look away. We equip them to look closer, act faster, and stand alongside survivors as they reclaim their own futures.
The Story Behind the Name
Why "Leaving the Jar"?
In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, a Samaritan woman encounters Jesus at a well. Burdened by years of shame and isolation, she arrives carrying her water jar — a symbol of her daily survival under oppression.
After that encounter, she leaves the jar behind. She no longer needs it. She walks away from the weight of her past and into a future defined by dignity, purpose, and restoration.
This is our mission: to walk alongside every survivor as they lay down the weight of exploitation and step into the fullness of their own rebuilt futures.
Our Mission
To equip communities to prevent trafficking, intervene in the lives of the vulnerable, and walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their futures with dignity.
Our Vision
A world where every individual lives free from exploitation — where communities are equipped to protect the vulnerable and every survivor has the resources to build a future of independence.
Our Values
Dignity over charity. Independence over dependence. Community over isolation. Transparency in every dollar. Respect for every survivor's agency and autonomy.
Clinical Partnership: Our clinical and operational frameworks are developed in consultation with the Wellspring Living Training Institute — a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed care and survivor support programming.
The People Behind the Mission
Our Leadership
Our dedicated team brings decades of experience in global missions, public health, and community development.
Isaac Akladeos
Co-Founder & President
Isaac's missionary work — beginning in Zambia in 2001 — gave rise to the vision that became Leaving the Jar. He brings two decades of community-embedded service across four countries, driven by the conviction that dignity is the foundation of freedom. He is the author of Whispers of a Missionary: True Stories from the Mission Field.
Manal Moussa
Co-Founder & Vice President
Manal leads the operational expansion of Leaving the Jar's domestic programs, including the Well of Hope Home initiative. Her background in public health programming and HIV prevention across East Africa provides the administrative and strategic expertise that ensures every program meets the highest standards of care.
Dr. Mora Estafanous
Global Health Advisor
Dr. Estafanous holds a Master of Public Health from George Mason University and brings over a decade of experience in global health and maternal-child health. Her expertise in violence prevention and health programming strengthens the clinical rigor of all Leaving the Jar programs.
Board of Directors
Governance, accountability, and strategic oversight.
Nancy William
Board Member
Merit Albaidy
Board Member
Mariz Gobrial
Board Member
BOOK
From The Founder
Whispers of a Missionary
True Stories from the Mission Field — Isaac Akladeos chronicles his two decades of service across four countries, sharing the encounters that gave rise to Leaving the Jar.
Available at Walmart, Indigo, and major retailers.
Your Trust Matters
Financial Transparency
Every dollar given to Leaving the Jar is accounted for with complete transparency. We publish annual reports and make our IRS Form 990 available upon request.
Join Us
Your support directly funds prevention training, emergency intervention, and survivor rehabilitation across four countries.
Fund a Survivor's Future