Real stories of hope from CAST Los Angeles
We partner with Cast to offer wraparound services for survivors in Los Angeles, California. This includes transitional housing, legal aid, counseling and case work, connections to healthcare and educational scholarships, and leadership/job training. The following stories are real stories of survivors that Cast supports.
Ms. U’s story
Ms. U is a survivor of both labor and sex trafficking. CAST responded to a law enforcement call when she was assisted in escaping her trafficking situation where she had been forced to complete house work and engage in commercial sex. While engaged in CAST services, Ms. U connected to public benefits, job training programs, ESL classes, and on-going trauma support services. Her Case Manager assisted in connecting her to these resources but more than anything served as an emotional safety net, reinforcing the productive work Ms. U had been doing in therapy to address - at times debilitating - symptoms related to post traumatic stress. As Ms. U built up her resilience again, she successfully completed a certification program to become a daycare teacher, started her own house cleaning business, and reunified with her three children. CAST, in collaboration with the International Office of Migration (IOM), assisted Ms. U in this process.
She now works full time and demonstrates strength and poise as a parent to her three children, making what often can be a challenging process of reunification seem easy and smooth. Ms. U independently accesses support services when she needs to and has graduated to living her life in a self-sufficient and dignified way.
Mia’s Story
Mia is a survivor of sex trafficking as a child. Since becoming a CAST client, Mia went to juvenile hall for a robbery charge as a minor (not related to trafficking), completed her high school diploma credits and was released in February 2019. Mia’s Case Manager provided Mia and her mother with a plethora of supportive counseling during the time of Mia’s incarceration.
Today, Mia’s probation case is closed, she has stable housing with her father and stepmother and has begun a CNA course. In addition, she attended her high school diploma ceremony in June 2019.
She is also accessing education and employment services at the Goodwill in San Bernardino County. Mia has been able to strengthen her relationships with her family and she now has increased independent living skills and aspirations for financial independence and stability. She has hopes of becoming a Registered Nurse someday.
*Names have been changed to protect survivors