Josh and Yvonne Clendenen

Their journey to fight child trafficking began long before they ever realized it.

After moving to Middle Tennessee in 2007, the Air Force veterans continued to live out their deep commitment to service. But it wasn’t until years later, through a series of unexpected, God-ordained connections, that their hearts were gripped by a mission they could no longer ignore.

In 2023, Josh traveled to Nepal with Hope Force International and worked alongside Apple of God’s Eyes—an anti-trafficking organization focused on rescuing Nepalese girls who have been victims of human trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation in the neighbor India. There, he met young girls whose lives had been shattered, but who were slowly being pieced back together by love, care, and education. The experience left a lasting imprint.

When Josh returned home and shared what he’d seen with Yvonne, they both knew life couldn’t go back to normal. The weight of what they had witnessed—and the reality that it was happening to so many—stirred something too deep to shake.

In 2024, Yvonne followed her own calling and journeyed to the Philippines to work with Zeteo Missions, an organization providing rescue and safe haven for the most vulnerable and wounded children, while walking out healing journeys with them through intentional relationships, and empowering loving adults to join in making such hope for all children an attainable reality. 

There, she spent time with children and staff whose strength and vulnerability both broke her heart and filled it with resolve. She returned with a stronger burden than ever to do more—not just for the children, but for the people who serve them.

As they continued to travel and connect with anti-trafficking organizations around the world, a common thread began to emerge. These teams—courageous men and women on the front lines—were pouring themselves out day after day. They were rescuers, mentors, and spiritual guides, but often operating on empty. Their emotional, spiritual, and physical reserves were stretched thin. And while support sometimes came, it rarely reached the depth needed to sustain and strengthen them for the long haul.

From these encounters, The Guardian Initiative (TGI) was born.

Founded in 2025, TGI exists to advance the fight against child trafficking by focusing on what so many others overlook: the people who are already fighting. We equip frontline leaders, empower survivors, and engage communities through compassionate care, strategic advocacy, and redemptive partnerships. Our mission is rooted in a deep belief—that every child deserves to live in safety, with dignity, and with hope.

We don’t fight trafficking by standing in the spotlight. We fight by holding up the arms of those who are already in the battle—encouraging them, strengthening them, and reminding them they are not alone.