Secret Shop Provides Haven for LA Sex Trafficking Survivors

Nonprofit Give-Mentor-Love operates an undisclosed location that offers more than just clothes to those who have escaped unimaginable horrors.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a tattered, worn clothing tag against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the hidden struggles and trauma experienced by survivors of sex trafficking.A secret shop in Los Angeles County provides a lifeline for survivors of sex trafficking, offering more than just new clothes but also financial support, mental health resources, and a sisterhood sanctuary.Los Angeles Today

Hidden in an undisclosed building in Los Angeles County, a nonprofit called Give-Mentor-Love runs a secret shop that serves as a lifeline for sex trafficking survivors. The shop offers more than just a new wardrobe - it provides financial support, mental and physical safety, and a sisterhood sanctuary for female victims between 18 to 21 years old, a time when many have been kicked out of the foster care system.

Why it matters

Sex trafficking is a pervasive issue across Los Angeles County, with victims often forgotten and struggling to rebuild their lives after escaping. This secret shop provides a crucial haven and support system for these survivors, helping them find a path forward and create sustainable change.

The details

The shop is run by the nonprofit organization Give-Mentor-Love, which helps more than 1,000 girls a year, though only a small fraction are trafficked in Southern California. For survivors like Veronica, who was trafficked starting at age 8, and Keke, who was pimped out at 13, the shop has been a lifeline, providing financial assistance, mental health support, and a sense of community. The foundation also builds a sisterhood sanctuary to house female victims between 18 to 21 years old, a critical time when many have aged out of the foster care system.

  • Give-Mentor-Love has been operating the secret shop for several years, helping thousands of survivors during that time.
  • Last month, thieves raided GML's warehouse, but the foundation was able to replace most of the items.
  • The financial need for the organization remains great as they work to save as many girls as possible from the streets.

The players

Give-Mentor-Love

A nonprofit organization that operates the secret shop, providing a haven and support system for sex trafficking survivors in Los Angeles County.

Veronica

A survivor of sex trafficking who was first trafficked at the age of 8 and now wants to join the FBI to help others.

Keke

A 20-year-old survivor who was pimped out at the age of 13, and credits GML's support as the key to breaking free and getting her life back.

Ashley Westbrooks

A representative from Give-Mentor-Love who emphasizes how common sex trafficking is across Los Angeles County, even in unexpected areas.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I was gonna die at least 16, didn't think I was gonna make it to 20. It means a lot to me. I feel like it's not only saved my life, but it's helped me find a path.”

— Veronica

“It's so common in all the areas all over L.A. County. It could be in your neighbor's house, it could be down the street. It's not just the highly populated areas.”

— Ashley Westbrooks, with Give-Mentor-Love

“I was 13 years old and a boy said, 'Oh you want to make money, yeah, let's get some money.' Didn't know it would be him pimping me out.”

— Keke

“We want to support them create a sustainable change, rebuilding this life that was taken from them.”

— Ashley Westbrooks, with Give-Mentor-Love

“It's like family once you're in here you're in here and there's no leaving.”

— Keke

What’s next

The nonprofit Give-Mentor-Love continues to seek financial support to replace items stolen from their warehouse and expand their services to help more survivors of sex trafficking in Los Angeles County.

The takeaway

This secret shop operated by Give-Mentor-Love provides a crucial lifeline and support system for survivors of sex trafficking in Los Angeles, offering not just material goods but also mental health resources, financial assistance, and a sense of community to help these victims rebuild their lives after escaping unimaginable horrors.