When given the opportunity to go for a ride-along with an undercover detective for a sting operation aimed at busting sex traffickers on a stretch of Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, Donna Pierson knew she was going to have one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of her life.
Driving along this hot stretch, Pierson, founder and chair of Give-Mentor-Love, was educated on the harsh reality of what the detectives can and cannot do to enforce what’s taking place on the streets to save children being sexually exploited and trafficked.
Los Angeles County is one of the highest intensity areas for sexual exploitation of children in the United States. Every day, victims of sex trafficking are forced on to the streets to be repeatedly exploited, raped and abused to make their daily “trap” only to fatten their pimp’s bankroll.
These children are not prostitutes. They did not choose “The Life.” They are children who were kidnapped; groomed by someone they knew or who was supposed to protect them; physically harmed; or psychologically manipulated with false love, affection and loyalty to get them to do as they are told. Afraid for their lives, or the lives of their loved ones, they comply with the rules out of fear of punishment or further abuse.
When these victims are rescued off the streets, they are barely clothed when brought into the police station, often wearing nothing but small pieces of fabric held together by string. They are cold, hungry, afraid and tired from being awake all night.
At the station, they are placed in a “soft room” where they are held until a social worker arrives and is able to find them temporary housing to keep them safe. This can be a long process, with youths being held five hours or longer in a room with little to no comforts.
At first glance, the soft rooms in the LAPD’s 77th Street Police Station appeared like small, worn in waiting rooms. Previously used as storage areas in the station, they were converted into soft rooms by the police officers who wanted these youths to feel safe, cared for and comfortable while they waited.
The upstairs room, specifically used for CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) victims, was stark white with a small monitor being used as a TV and a few pieces of artwork hanging on the walls. The downstairs room used for in-crisis youths, teens and babies, had a mural painted on the walls that long ago was graffitied over with sad messages. Both rooms had donated used toys, children’s books, and worn-down seating.
“When I first visited the station and was shown the rooms where the youths are taken, my heart sank,” explains Pierson. “These victims are being rescued from a horrific nightmare that damages them beyond belief. … I knew right then that GML needed to build upon and help create a space that was comfortable, and gave victims the feeling that they were truly being rescued and were safe.”
Give-Mentor-Love Foundation did just that for the 77th Street Station. Formed in 2019, GML supports L.A. County youths and young adults in-crisis, at risk, homeless or in foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. They are a layer of the healing process giving immediate and continued support of basic needs and financial assistance; mentoring through programs focused on life and social skills, financial literacy, healthy relationship building and career goals to help youths rediscover their self-worth; and loving unconditionally to help these victims thrive.
Each soft room was revitalized with the vision of a comfortable, safe space. The walls were repainted and coated in chalkboard paint with colored chalk at the ready to encourage drawing and creativity. Each room was outfitted with new, custom-made furniture so the youths can rest and be at ease. Brand-new toys, stuffed animals, books, games, coloring books and puzzle books also fill each room, so they have activities to do while waiting and something to take with them once they leave. Snacks and bottled water are also stocked, as many victims often go all night without any food or water because they are not allowed to leave their posts on the street.
While these newly revamped rooms will provide a comfortable and welcoming space, it is the officers, detectives and everyone at the 77th Street Station who are truly making a difference. When visiting, Pierson and Ginger Umutyan, president of Give-Mentor-Love, witnessed first-hand how compassionate the police officers are toward these victims and their excitement for renovating these rooms.
One of the officers shared how many people at the station came together to donate the toys and books they had available. Notably, the majority of the items came from their own children’s toy chests in order to provide some comfort in a setting that can be scary and unsettling.
Another officer recalled when a youth was brought to the station practically naked, shivering cold. The officers searched high and low to find what they could for them, grabbing anything and everything they had in the trunks of their own cars by way of blankets and clothing so they would no longer be freezing or exposed.
“It’s one thing to show up for a job each day to help these victims and in-crisis youths, but these officers go above and beyond; they truly care about them,” Umutyan said. “They understand that it is not their fault as to why they are there, and you can see and feel that through the compassion and kindness the officers show towards these victims.”
As part of an ongoing initiative, GML is giving Backpacks of Love to the 77th Street Station for the sex trafficked victims rescued off the streets. Each backpack includes a stuffed animal, sweat suit, pair of socks, a journal, snacks, and water so no child brought into the station arrives cold, naked, hungry or thirsty.
In addition to providing backpacks, GML will be giving an ongoing supply of items including diapers, clothing, blankets, and toys for the in-crisis babies, youths and teens brought into the station.
“The harsh reality is that sex trafficking is happening right here, in our backyard, and there is not enough awareness surrounding the issue,” Pierson said. “These children have been robbed of their innocence, and people don’t understand the level to which they are so deeply damaged and traumatized.
“Having a warm, comfortable space to be brought to with clothes, a blanket and a stuffed animal waiting for them does not remotely scratch the surface of what these victims need. … But it’s a small step to provide them with comfort and the feeling of hope.”
To learn more about how you can help Give-Mentor-Love’s ongoing efforts to provide Backpacks of Love and items for sex trafficked victims and in-crisis youths,
contact info@givementorlove.org. To help GML spread awareness, donate or inquire about volunteering, visit GiveMentorLove.org.
First published in the Jan. 25 issue of the San Marino Tribune
