Agape International Missions
American non-profit organisation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agape International Missions (AIM) is a non-denominational NGO combating sex trafficking in Cambodia.[1][2][3][4]
| |
| Abbreviation | AIM |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1989 (US), 2006 (Cambodia) |
| Type | NGO |
| Purpose | Combating sex trafficking in Cambodia |
| Headquarters | Roseville, California |
Founders | Don and Bridget Brewster |
CEO | Clayton Butler |
Board Chair | Ken Petersen |
| Website | aimfree |
Operations
Headquartered in California, AIM works to rescue victims of sex trafficking and provide rescued victims with housing, education, health, employment, rehabilitation, and community care.[5][6]
In 2014, AIM launched a SWAT team, authorized by the Cambodian government, to investigate and raid illegal brothels in conjunction with the Cambodian National Police's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.[7][8][9] AIM also rescues girls and women sex trafficked to China.[7]
AIM received GuideStar USA, Inc.'s gold seal of transparency in 2019.[10] Charity Navigator gave AIM the highest rating of 4 out of 4 stars and a score of 100 out of 100 for accountability & transparency.[11]
History
AIM was founded in 1989 by Bridget and Don Brewster, a former pastor in California, and began operations in Cambodia in 2006.[12] The organization opened its first shelter and restoration center for former child sex slaves in the village of Svay Pak, Cambodia.[13][14][15][16][17]
In 2022, it was reported that AIM has assisted the Cambodian government in its controversial crack-down on surrogacy in Cambodia.[18] This followed the Cambodian government's ban on commercial surrogacy prompted by the organization's concerns that women were exploited by the industry.[19][20][21]