TULSA, OK — The Demand Project has been named the 2025 Champion of Children’s Health by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation through its annual Champions of Health awards. The honor recognizes The Demand Project’s exceptional commitment to protecting and restoring the lives of children impacted by trafficking and exploitation.

Selected from among 25 nominees statewide, The Demand Project (TDP) was recognized for its innovative work in prevention education and survivor restoration. Based in northeastern Oklahoma, TDP is the only organization in the state providing long-term residential care for trafficked minor girls, accepting both private placements and those in state custody.

TDP’s Journey to Freedom program, housed at Mount Arukah and provided at no-cost to survivors and their families, offers a secure and supportive campus for girls ages 11–17 who have survived trafficking or sexual exploitation. Through holistic, trauma-informed care, these girls begin their healing journey in a setting designed to restore dignity, hope and independence.

In addition to direct survivor services, TDP reaches more than 5,000 individuals annually through its prevention education efforts, equipping communities with the tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent child trafficking and exploitation.

As part of the honor, The Demand Project received a $5,000 grant to support its programs and services for children in need.

​​”This recognition is more than an award, it is a powerful statement that the lives of vulnerable, exploited children matter,” said Kristin Weis, Co-Founder and CEO of The Demand Project. “It honors the courage of the survivors we serve and reminds us that hope, healing and restoration are possible when a community chooses to stand up and fight for its children.”

The Demand Project was honored at the 22nd Champions of Health Gala on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Mario Lopez, acclaimed television host, actor and youth advocate, served as keynote speaker. He shared insights from his career and spoke to the importance of supporting young people through education and healthy lifestyles.

The Champions of Health awards, presented by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and its partners, spotlight individuals and organizations making lasting impacts on the health of Oklahomans.

To learn more about The Demand Project, visit www.thedemandproject.org.