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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Nancy William
Director of Health & Physical Restoration
A practicing Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Nancy guides our physical restoration initiatives, ensuring survivors receive critical medical and dental care to heal physical trauma and rebuild their confidence.
Abanoub Masoud
Director of Technology
Abanoub brings specialized expertise in software engineering and IT infrastructure. Drawing from his experience developing secure systems, he architects our digital platforms and data security protocols, ensuring our operations meet the highest standards for survivor privacy and organizational efficiency.
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 ensures every program meets the highest standards of care.
Mariz Gobrial
Director of Curriculum & Program Development
Mariz brings specialized expertise in human development and behavioral psychology. With a Master’s from William & Mary, she architects our training programs to foster long-term restoration and dignity for every survivor.
Merit Albaidy
General Counsel & Strategic Advisor
Merit brings over 15 years of corporate legal expertise. An accomplished Senior Counsel and law professor, she architects the legal frameworks that protect our mission and global operations.
George Helito
Director of International Scholarships & Strategic Operations
George brings over 20 years of experience in project management and global logistics to our international expansion. Managing the Egypt Scholarship Program, he ensures our global initiatives are executed with the precision and transparency required for sustainable community impact.
Your Trust Matters
Financial Transparency
Every dollar given to Leaving the Jar is accounted for with complete transparency
Join us
Your support directly funds prevention training, emergency intervention, and survivor rehabilitation across four countries.