You’re So Fly: The Lantern Project
The Lantern Project: Lighting the Way to Safety and Hope
The Lantern Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking, enslavement, and exploitation, celebrates its fifth year of service in 2025. With a mission rooted in education, identification, restoration, and community empowerment, the organization continues to illuminate a path toward safety and healing for survivors.
Empowering Through Education and Action
In a rapidly evolving digital world, The Lantern Project equips families and communities with the knowledge to stay safe online. Through free training sessions, workshops, and partnerships with local law enforcement, the nonprofit helps identify victims and provide immediate, life-changing support. The group also operates multiple safe houses for survivors, offering stability, care, and hope during their recovery journey.
Since January, The Lantern Project has supported 15 adults and 9 children with transitional housing, emergency assistance, and case management. This year also marked the opening of their fourth safe house and expanded outreach that reached hundreds of parents, educators, and businesses.
“Our fifth year is not just a milestone, it’s a reminder of the collective strength that makes this mission possible,” said a representative from The Lantern Project. “Every life we reach reflects the power of awareness and community compassion.”
Top Online Safety Concerns for 2025
As technology advances, so do the dangers facing children online. The Lantern Project recently released its list of the top three digital red flags for parents and caregivers:
- Roblox: Despite being marketed as child-friendly, the platform contains millions of user-generated games, some depicting violence or sexual content. Recent reports, including an investigation by Hindenburg Research, have labeled it unsafe for minors. The Lantern Project advises parents to delete the app.
- Spotify: The music app’s new direct messaging feature allows users to communicate privately, raising concerns about unwanted contact and privacy. Families are urged to review account settings and discuss online boundaries with children.
- AI and Chat Platforms: With OpenAI introducing adult content capabilities for verified users, risks of exposure for minors increase. Caregivers are encouraged to talk openly about responsible AI use and how to report harmful content.
“The digital landscape changes daily,” the organization stated. “Awareness remains a family’s strongest safeguard.”
Looking Ahead: The Lantern Gala 2025
As part of its continued mission, The Lantern Project will host its annual Lantern Gala on December 4 at 6:00 PM at The Kettle Room at Cabarrus Brewing Co. The event promises an evening of purpose and celebration, featuring powerful stories of survival and resilience shared by two trafficking survivors. Every dollar raised will go toward expanding safe housing and education initiatives across North Carolina.
Community members can support The Lantern Project year-round by:
- Learning: Register for free online human trafficking awareness training.
- Staying informed: Subscribe to the Lantern e-newsletter for updates on tech safety and prevention resources.
- Getting involved: Local businesses can become Lantern Stations, pledging to train employees and offer safe spaces for individuals in crisis.
As The Lantern Project moves into its sixth year, its mission remains unwavering to combat trafficking, protect communities, and bring light to those most in need.
“Together,” the organization affirms, “we can continue bringing light to the darkness and ensuring freedom for all.”
>> Learn more about The Lantern Project on its website.
