Ways We Assist
At Light the Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project, we walk alongside families impacted by missing and unresolved cases. Our role as credentialed victim advocates is to provide guidance, sustained advocacy, and thoughtful awareness efforts while honoring each loved one’s story with care and respect.
Every family’s situation is unique. Our approach is collaborative, consent-based, and tailored to meet families where they are. Support is never one-size-fits-all, and families remain in control of how and when advocacy efforts move forward.
Below is an overview of the core ways we assist families.
Case Awareness & Visibility
Custom Light the Way Flyer
We create a professionally designed Light the Way flyer for each loved one. These flyers clearly present identifying details, case information, and tip instructions in a format that is easy for the public to understand and share.
Flyers often serve as the foundation of awareness efforts. They can be shared online, printed for distribution, provided to media outlets, and used in community outreach to help ensure accurate information is circulating consistently.
Ongoing Social Media Advocacy
Maintaining visibility over time is essential. Light the Way shares ongoing social media posts to help keep cases present in the public eye beyond initial media coverage.
This may include:
-
Weekly awareness posts such as Missing Poster Monday or Tip Tuesday
-
Posts recognizing birthdays and other meaningful dates
-
Case updates, when appropriate
All posts are shared thoughtfully and only with family approval.
Dedicated Webpage
Each family receives a dedicated webpage on the Light the Way website. This page serves as a centralized, trusted location where accurate case information, flyers, and updates can be accessed by the public, media, and advocates.
A permanent webpage helps ensure reliable details remain accessible and provides a consistent reference point for ongoing awareness.
Advocacy Guidance & Resources
Preparing for Law Enforcement Meetings
We help families prepare for meetings with law enforcement by organizing questions, reviewing available information, and identifying key concerns in advance. When appropriate and requested, we may attend meetings alongside families to provide support and help ensure communication remains clear and productive.
Our goal is to help families feel informed, prepared, and supported during these conversations.
Educational Advocacy Webinars
In partnership with the Gabby Petito Foundation, we host quarterly educational webinars focused on advocacy-related topics. These sessions may include discussions around media engagement, public awareness strategies, long-term advocacy planning, and navigating common challenges.
Family Connection & Community
Quarterly Family Support Meetings
Families are invited to participate in quarterly support group meetings facilitated by Light the Way and the Gabby Petito Foundation. These meetings offer a space for connection with other families navigating similar experiences.
Participation is always optional. The focus is on shared understanding, encouragement, and continued support.
Additional Advocacy Support
The services outlined above reflect some of the primary ways we assist families, but this is not an exhaustive list. Advocacy looks different for every family and every case.
We work collaboratively with families to identify custom goals and develop strategies that align with their needs, comfort level, and long-term vision. Whether that includes expanded awareness efforts, media outreach, community-based initiatives, or other advocacy projects, our role is to help families move forward in a way that feels thoughtful, intentional, and supported.
Our Commitment
We are honored to support families who trust us with their loved one’s story. Light the Way remains committed to sustained awareness, ethical advocacy, and walking alongside families for as long as support is needed.
If you would like to learn more about how we assist families, please contact us.