Forgotten Children, Inc.

Forgotten Children, Inc. (FCI) provides after care and extensive support services to victims of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and violence. Our mission is to rescue, restore, educate and bring hope to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. \r\n\r\nEstablished in 2006, in direct response to the growing issues of human trafficking in San Bernardino, Lynwood, and the South Los Angeles community. We strive to eradicate human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and girls by providing comprehensive intervention and prevention services that address the mental, emotional and psychological impact caused by high-risk behaviors.

We believe education, training and raising awareness is critical in combatting this growing issue. Our prevention and intervention services include: emergency and short-term shelter, community education, reentry programs, street outreach, group therapy, and community resources. We also work with various law enforcement agencies to provide advocacy and support. \r\n\r\nOur Drop-in and Resource Center is a safe place where women can come and receive support, resources and information regarding their physical, mental, and emotional needs. They are welcomed into an environment where they can relax, find comfort and feel safe. We also provide hygiene products along with clothing, hot meals and resources for short-term shelter. Anyone with a desire to leave the \u201Clife\u0022 is provided with the resources necessary to assist with their decision. When necessary, the center provides transportation to relocation sites or other appropriate services.\r\n\r\nOutreach and Community Support-Street teams go out every Friday night wherever the girls are \u201Cworking\u0022 to spread the love of Jesus Christ. We have volunteers that go out and distribute toiletries, resources and offer support. \r\n\r\nRe-Entry Program Road to Freedom is an 8-week reentry diversion program designed for women incarcerated for prostitution and sexual exploitation. Participants are provided with resources, education and the tools they need to identify behaviors that caused them to become a victim of human trafficking and prostitution. \r\n\r\nResidential Housing-Rachel\u0027s House of Healing (RHH) is a residential program for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation who are 18 years of age and older. Located in San Bernardino, we provide a safe place for victims to heal from their abuse and trauma. Our full-time staff and counselors provide counseling, chemical dependency education, anger management and job training. Residents are paired with mentors to assist them with setting goals, while providing emotional and mental support.

For more than 11 years, we have worked with local law enforcement, the DA\u0027s office, crisis teams, clergy, and local/national organizations to fight this growing issue. All of our staff and volunteers participate in a mandatory 40-hour training where they are provided with the tools they need to effectively serve this vulnerable population. Staff and volunteers also receive on-going training to ensure they are aware of the latest laws and trends impacting our communities.

Since our inception, we have established a safe house in San Bernardino, several street teams, a jail bag program and a resource/support center in Lynwood. We have reached more than 5,000 women through our street outreach and have provided housing to more than 100 women. \r\n\r\nOur goal is to open a second house where we will house women and children who are victims of human trafficking. The house will target victims currently living on the streets with their children, or whose children were taken due to being on the streets.