Tucked inside an undisclosed building somewhere in Los Angeles County, a small by-invitation-only shop is quietly helping survivors of sex trafficking piece their lives back together. Run by the Give-Mentor-Love foundation, the secret space outfits survivors with clothing, electronics, and household essentials while also serving as a haven where they can connect with mentors, access housing referrals, and receive trauma-informed care. Survivors and staff say it is not an exaggeration to call the program a lifeline for young women trying to escape exploitation and rebuild from scratch.
As reported by ABC7, survivors like Veronica told reporters the program "saved my life" and helped her find a path out of trafficking. The station noted that Give-Mentor-Love serves more than 1,000 girls a year and is working on transitional housing for women ages 18 to 21. Staff also stressed to ABC7 that commercial sexual exploitation is happening across Los Angeles County, not just in the flashy, high-profile neighborhoods that usually make headlines.
How the Shop Works
According to Give-Mentor-Love, the Shop is stocked with new and gently used items, from clothing and hygiene products to apartment-sized furniture, all provided free to the youths and young adults they serve. The foundation says there are no limits on how much a visitor can take, and the goal is to stabilize clients first so staff can then connect them with mentors, schooling, and housing supports. Give-Mentor-Love lists partnerships with LA County CSEC units and local schools as part of a broader plan to build a Village of transitional housing and services.
Raid and Resources
ABC7 also reported that thieves raided Give-Mentor-Love's warehouse in March, making off with donated goods that keep the Shop stocked. The foundation told the station it has replaced most of what was taken but is still facing an acute financial gap as it tries to expand housing and trauma-informed care. Organizers emphasized that cash donations are often more useful than in-kind goods because they can cover rent, case management, and therapy, the kinds of costs that resupply drives do not touch.
Local Recognition and Partnerships
The Los Angeles Business Journal named Give-Mentor-Love a finalist in its nonprofit awards, highlighting the group's focus on transitional housing and mentorship, while Pasadena Now covered recent donations from local fundraisers that help keep the Shop running. Those community ties, organizers say, are crucial as Give-Mentor-Love pushes toward its Village model, which aims to offer long-term stability for survivors.
How to Help
People who want to support survivors can find donation and volunteer information through Give-Mentor-Love, which lists a mailing address and a phone number for non-emergency inquiries. For anyone in immediate danger or to report suspected trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-888-373-7888 and online at National Human Trafficking Hotline.
