Coalition To Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST LA)
Mission and Impact Summary:
CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking) is dedicated to serving survivors of human trafficking through direct support and systemic advocacy. Their mission is to connect survivors to vital services—like legal aid, housing, and emotional support—while also pushing for policy changes that strengthen protections and justice for trafficking victims. In the past year alone, CAST served 1,779 survivors and family members, responded to over 2,000 hotline calls (a 19% increase from the prior year), and secured critical state funding to bridge gaps left by federal funding cuts.
Their impact goes beyond services: CAST empowers survivors to become advocates and leaders, as seen in their support of survivors, who are now leading legal reform efforts. Despite growing challenges, including a rise in homelessness and funding threats, CAST remains committed to fighting human trafficking on every front—legal, social, and political—ensuring survivors have the resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Give Mentor Love Foundation
GIVE – MENTOR – LOVE (GML) is a compassionate foundation serving Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable youths and young adults—those in crisis, at risk, homeless, in foster care, or survivors of sex trafficking. Their mission: GIVE immediate and ongoing support to meet basic needs, MENTOR to rebuild confidence and self-worth, and LOVE unconditionally to help them heal and thrive.
Since its beginnings in 2010, when volunteers worked with exploited foster girls in Pasadena, GML has grown into a countywide lifeline. Officially founded in 2019, GML partners with key agencies like the LA County Specialized Bureau for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC), ZOE Los Angeles, and Learning Works Charter School to provide wraparound support. They step in where traditional services stop—offering not just survival basics like emergency housing, transportation, and clothing, but also tutoring, job readiness training, parenting support, and personalized mentoring.
Impact:
Hundreds of hours of one-on-one mentoring and support, helping youths achieve personal and academic goals.
A dedicated GML Shop where youths and young adults can pick up free essentials—clothing, school supplies, and household items—with no limits or judgment.
Ongoing programs inside CSEC foster group homes and schools that build trust, teach life skills, and provide stability.
Innovative initiatives like The Village, a bold new project creating Tiny House communities to offer safe, independent living spaces alongside continued education and vocational training.
Programs like Pinky-Up Charm School, Financial Fitness, and Bachelorette/Bachelor Survival Training focus on rebuilding dignity, teaching essential life skills, and guiding youth from survival to self-sufficiency. Our work isn’t just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about empowering each young person we serve to forge a brighter, independent future.
GML’s approach is personal, flexible, and hands-on, working closely with each youth to address challenges like addiction, homelessness, parenting, and employment.
East Los Angeles Women’s Center
The East Los Angeles Women’s Center (ELAWC) is dedicated to ensuring that women, girls, and their families—especially within Latino communities—live free from violence, abuse, and inequality. Their mission focuses on creating a safe, healthy environment where individuals have full access to essential health services, social support, and opportunities for personal well-being.
Through programs like Project HEAL, ELAWC addresses generational trauma by strengthening family dynamics, preventing domestic violence, and equipping non-abusing parents with tools for healthier communication and parenting. Families report stronger bonds, lower stress, and improved safety thanks to trauma-informed support.
Impact Highlights:
Crisis Response: 8,000 hotline calls, 6,219 public interactions, and 142 emergency responses at LAGMC.
Housing Support: 367 families received housing resources; 120 households secured permanent housing; 92 adults and children accessed emergency shelter and transitional housing.
Volunteer & Training: 60 advocates trained in Spanish and English; 3,116 medical professionals trained on sexual assault and domestic violence response.
Youth & Prevention: Over 6,400 youth participated in prevention and outreach presentations.
Financial Support: $100,000 disbursed for emergency essentials; $550,000 in flexible funds provided to 220 survivors; $140,000 allocated for housing through the Housing First Initiative.
