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Welcome
Light The Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project is a compassionate, volunteer-led organization dedicated to supporting families impacted by missing and unresolved cases. As credentialed victim advocates, we provide trauma-informed support, strategic guidance, and ongoing advocacy to those navigating the unimaginable. Our work focuses on reuniting missing individuals with their loved ones, strengthening communication between families and law enforcement, and bringing public attention to both current and unresolved cases.
We approach every case with care and commitment, fighting for answers, amplifying voices, and making sure no one is ever forgotten.
The Gabby Petito Foundation & Light The Way Partnership
THE GABBY PETITO FOUNDATION AND LIGHT THE WAY MISSING PERSONS ADVOCACY PROJECT
ANNOUNCE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP IN AN EFFORT TO EXPAND CRITICAL VICTIM-CENTERED RESOURCES
The Gabby Petito Foundation and Light the Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project have announced a strategic partnership to expand national missing-persons services and strengthen victim-centered advocacy.
Together, we will scale resources, advocacy, and education for families of the missing while leading awareness campaigns, collaborating with law enforcement, and pushing for policy change. Our joint efforts will build a national support network, expand specialized services, and provide families with the tools and support needed to search for their loved ones.
To learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation and the lasting impact of Gabby’s legacy, click here.
Click on the documents below to learn about Ways We Assist Families.
Call to Action
WE NEED YOUR HELP
For over two years, Light The Way has led a weekly phone call and email campaign urging the Governor of Washington state to order an independent review of Oakley Carlson’s case with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (WA DCYF).
In response,the Governor stated that the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds (OFCO) found DCYF’s actions to be in accordance with policies and laws, expressing confidence in their findings. However, concerns remain regarding the lack of transparency in OFCO’s review particularly issues raised by Oakley’s foster parents and WA DCYF’s repeated disregard of multiple warnings about Oakley’s safety.
The facts are clear, WA DCYF failed Oakley. We have launched a petition urging the Governor of Washington to order an independent review. Please help by signing and sharing the petition today.
Thank you for being a voice for Oakley and for children failed by the systems meant to protect them!
Theresa Corley was just 19 years old when her life was tragically taken in 1978 in Bellingham, Massachusetts.
That night, Theresa was taken to an apartment by a group of men and sexually assaulted. According to statements collected during the investigation, when she tried to escape, she was forcibly pulled back inside.
Four days later, her body was found along Route 495. She had been strangled.
In 2017, DNA testing identified a man whose DNA was found on Theresa’s clothing. He was present in the apartment with her the night she disappeared.
Despite this identification, Theresa’s family says the suspect has not been re-interviewed, key evidence has not been subjected to modern forensic testing, and the case has never been presented to a grand jury.
For more than 47 years, Theresa’s sister, Gerri Houde, has continued to seek answers and accountability. Now, she has launched a Rally Starter to bring renewed attention to Theresa’s case and to urge officials to take meaningful action.
Gerri’s advocacy reflects decades of persistence, and a commitment to ensuring Theresa’s life is not forgotten.
Please support this effort by clicking here.
Engage With Empathy Campaign
LIGHT THE WAY PROUDLY SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES JULIE MURRAY'S ENGAGE WITH EMPATHY CAMPAIGN
The Engage With Empathy Campaign unites survivors of true crime, supporters, and content creators as they make the difficult journey for those struggling with loss a little more bearable.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES:
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To offer support and solace to those struggling with loss and trauma.
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To educate content creators on the lasting effects their content has on those who have the most at stake in the stories they cover.
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To educate the public on how to identify responsible and ethical true crime content.
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To engage the true crime community on issues important to victims and families left behind in the wake of these tragedies.
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