(CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA) — January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to reflect on a hidden crime that affects millions worldwide, including right here in Ventura County. In Simi Valley, two organizations are at the forefront of combating this grave issue: Second Story and Forever Found. Both groups are turning compassion into action, working to prevent trafficking and provide life-saving support to victims.
Second Story: A Thrift Store with Purpose
Tucked away at 2321 Tapo Street, Second Story looks like your typical thrift store. But step inside, and you’ll find a mission-driven operation entirely run by volunteers. Every penny of profit goes directly toward fighting human trafficking. Shoppers browse racks of quality clothing, furniture, and household items, knowing their purchases are helping rescue and restore lives.
Second Story operates on a simple but powerful idea: items donated here don’t just find a second life in new homes—they help trafficking survivors rewrite their own stories. One longtime volunteer explains, “Every item here has a second story. It’s about giving victims the chance to have one too.”
Regulars rave about the boutique’s clean, organized layout and ever-changing inventory. From unique home decor to stylish clothing, there’s always something worth finding—and every purchase supports organizations working on the front lines of anti-trafficking efforts.
Forever Found: Fighting Trafficking at Its Core
Forever Found, Second Story’s parent organization, was founded in Simi Valley and has a global reach. Focused on prevention, rescue, and restoration, Forever Found addresses human trafficking in Ventura County and India, where the problem is particularly widespread.
In India, where over 18 million people live in modern slavery, Forever Found works to rescue children from forced labor and sexual exploitation. Through safe housing, education, and counseling, survivors are given a chance to heal and build new futures. Locally, they collaborate with law enforcement and social service agencies to identify and assist trafficking victims in Ventura County and around the World.
The statistics Forever Found fights against are staggering. Globally, human trafficking is a $150 billion industry, with $99 billion coming from sexual exploitation alone. The average age of entry into the sex trade in the U.S. is just 12 to 14 years old. Many victims are runaways or children in foster care. Forever Found’s efforts aim to break this cycle through prevention and intervention programs that empower vulnerable communities.
The fight against trafficking thrives on community involvement. Forever Found and Second Story rely on local residents to donate, shop, volunteer, and spread the word. Their efforts are part of a larger national movement to educate the public and prevent trafficking before it begins.
Second Story and Forever Found also understand the importance of partnerships. They work with faith groups, survivor advocates, and law enforcement to ensure resources are available for those in need. Forever Found’s programs focus not only on immediate rescue but also on long-term support, helping survivors rebuild their lives through counseling, education, and job training.
How You Can Help
Simi Valley residents can take action today to join this vital fight:
- Donate: Second Story accepts gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. Your donations directly fund anti-trafficking efforts.
- Shop: Every purchase at Second Story supports Forever Found’s mission.
- Volunteer: Both organizations welcome individuals passionate about making a difference, whether in the store or through outreach programs.
- Learn: Attend workshops or events hosted by Forever Found to learn about trafficking warning signs and prevention strategies.
- Spread Awareness: Share the mission of Second Story and Forever Found to help grow their reach.
Traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, often targeting those in poverty or facing instability. While many think of trafficking as an international problem, the reality is it exists in communities across the U.S., including right here in our own community. Traffickers operate in hotels, private residences, and even seemingly innocent online spaces.
As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month reminds us, this fight belongs to everyone. The Simi Valley community is proving that even small, local efforts can make a global impact. Whether through donations, purchases, or volunteer hours, every bit of support helps.
For more information about Second Story, visit them at 2321 Tapo Street or email [email protected]. To learn more about Forever Found and how to get involved, visit foreverfound.org. Together, we can turn awareness into action and give survivors the chance to tell their second stories.
