In 2020, Adventures With Purpose (AWP) began with a simple idea: use diving skills to clean waterways. Today, it has evolved into a mission-driven organization that helps solve cold cases involving missing people.

With specialized equipment and a dedicated team, AWP has recovered vehicles and brought closure to grieving families. But what makes this group truly unique is their relentless pursuit of answers, driven by compassion and a sense of duty.

The Origins of Adventures With Purpose

AWP started as an environmental cleanup effort, removing waste from lakes and rivers. Jared Leisek, the group’s founder, quickly realized that abandoned vehicles often held deeper stories. This led to a focus on locating missing persons through underwater searches.

The group’s efforts gained traction on platforms like YouTube, where their work attracted millions of views and a growing community of supporters.

A Unique Approach to Solving Cold Cases

Unlike traditional law enforcement agencies, AWP operates as a volunteer-based dive team. They use sonar technology and underwater drones to locate submerged vehicles, often in places overlooked during initial investigations. This approach has led to significant breakthroughs in cases such as:

• The Kiely Rodni Case: AWP played a critical role in finding the vehicle and remains of the 16-year-old after local searches had been exhausted.
• Carey Mae Parker: After decades of searching, AWP discovered Parker’s vehicle, providing closure to her family.

Overcoming Challenges: Navigating Legal and Ethical Issues

AWP’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. Legal issues involving Jared Leisek have cast a shadow over the organization, leading to public scrutiny and a decline in support. Despite these challenges, other team members, including Doug Bishop, have reiterated their commitment to the mission. They continue to separate the actions of individuals from the organization’s core purpose.

This situation highlights a broader challenge faced by mission-driven groups: balancing personal accountability with organizational integrity.

The Emotional Impact of Their Work

For many families, AWP’s efforts provide the only hope for closure. Finding a missing loved one, even after years, brings a bittersweet sense of relief. Families often describe the emotional rollercoaster of finally knowing what happened.

One family member, after AWP’s discovery, expressed gratitude: “They gave us answers when no one else could.” This emotional connection fuels the team’s commitment and resonates with their growing online community.

The Power of Community and Social Media

AWP’s success is deeply tied to its online presence. Their YouTube channel not only documents their missions but also educates the public about cold cases. By sharing these stories, they raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Viewers often contribute leads and donations, underscoring the power of collective action in solving mysteries.

Advanced Tools and Techniques

AWP’s effectiveness lies in their use of advanced technology, including:

• Sonar Imaging: Provides detailed underwater maps, essential for locating vehicles in murky conditions.
• Remote-Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Allow for safe exploration in deep or dangerous waters.
• Diving Expertise: Team members undergo rigorous training to handle complex underwater recoveries.

These tools, combined with local knowledge and public tips, have made AWP a formidable force in the search and recovery space.

Environmental and Social Impact

Beyond solving cases, AWP’s work also highlights environmental issues. Removing vehicles from waterways not only aids investigations but also cleans up ecosystems. This dual mission underscores a broader commitment to community service.

Additionally, AWP’s efforts shed light on systemic gaps in missing persons investigations, prompting discussions about resource allocation and search strategies in law enforcement.

What’s Next for Adventures With Purpose?

Looking ahead, AWP aims to expand its reach, tackling more cold cases and collaborating with law enforcement. Despite recent challenges, the core team remains focused on their mission. They continue to call on communities for support, emphasizing that every effort counts in the search for truth.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re inspired by AWP’s work, there are several ways to support their mission:

1. Share Their Content: Spreading awareness helps generate leads and keeps cold cases in the public eye.
2. Donate: Contributions fund equipment, travel, and other operational costs.
3. Volunteer: Local divers and volunteers can assist with searches and logistics.

Final Thoughts

Adventures With Purpose embodies the power of purpose-driven work. Their story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets action. While challenges remain, their impact on families and communities is undeniable.

By shining a light in dark places, AWP continues to bring hope, closure, and a sense of purpose to all involved.

FAQs

1. What Types of Cases Does Adventures With Purpose Handle?
   Adventures With Purpose (AWP) primarily focuses on cold cases involving missing persons where vehicles may be submerged underwater. Their expertise lies in using sonar technology and dive equipment to locate and recover these vehicles, often leading to breakthroughs in long-unsolved cases.
2. How Does Adventures With Purpose Fund Their Searches?
   AWP relies on donations from their community and revenue generated from their YouTube channel. They also receive support through sponsorships and crowdfunding efforts, allowing them to cover operational costs, including travel and equipment maintenance.
3. What Technology Does AWP Use for Underwater Searches?
   The team uses advanced sonar imaging and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore underwater environments. These tools help them identify and investigate submerged vehicles in lakes and rivers, even in low-visibility conditions.
4. How Can Volunteers or the Public Help Adventures With Purpose?
   The public can support AWP by sharing information about missing persons cases, donating to their cause, or spreading awareness through social media. Divers and local volunteers can also assist in searches, providing critical local knowledge and manpower.
5. What Impact Has Adventures With Purpose Had on Law Enforcement Investigations?
   AWP often collaborates with law enforcement agencies, providing specialized search capabilities that many police departments lack. Their efforts have helped solve multiple cases, prompting discussions about improving search protocols and resource allocation in missing persons investigations.
6. What Are the Legal and Ethical Challenges Faced by AWP?
   Legal challenges, including recent allegations against a founding member, have raised ethical questions about the organization’s future. However, the team remains focused on their mission, emphasizing the importance of separating individual actions from the organization’s collective work.