PREVENT CHILD TRAFFICKING VEGAS (PCTV) is proud to announce the grand opening of the Vegas Cares Boutique, a promising initiative aimed at empowering homeless and vulnerable teens to protect themselves against the dangers of human trafficking.
Las Vegas is a worldwide destination for child trafficking, with traffickers often preying on the vulnerability of homeless and unaccompanied youth by promising them new clothes and a better life. The Vegas Cares boutique seeks to disrupt these predatory tactics by offering trauma-informed support and brand-new, fashion-current outfits to the young people living at the Shannon West Center of HELP of Southern Nevada.
The boutique, located at HELP of Southern Nevada, will provide a “shame-free” safe haven where young people can find connection, dignity, and new clothing to help them on job interviews and other actions necessary to the achievement of their independence.
Staffed by caring, trauma-informed trained volunteers, the boutique will serve as more than just a clothing supplier; it will be a place of education, encouragement and empowerment.
"Dignity replaces shame with self-esteem, self-esteem empowers better choices, better choices lead to better results, and better results inspire hope," remarked Rhonda Sciortino, co-founder of the PREVENT CHILD TRAFFICKING VEGAS community initiative. "Our mission is to provide not only clothing but also a sense of dignity and hope to those who need it most. Hope is what allows us to become the agents of our own uplift.”
The Vegas Cares boutique is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Completely funded and staffed by volunteers, it embodies the collective resolve of the Las Vegas community to protect its youth and prevent the trafficking of our children. Together, we can send a clear message: OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE.
"We believe that prevention is possible through connection and education," stated Kim Laub, co-founder of PCTV. "By coming together as a community, we can equip young people with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and thrive.”
“As a young girl, I didn’t have the right clothes. I felt that I didn’t belong. Other girls looked so pretty and stylish. I joined the PREVENT CHILD TRAFFICKING VEGAS board because I know how empowering it is to have the right clothes and to feel good about how you look.” Marie St. John Gray, founder St. John Knits and Grayse
The grand opening of the Vegas Cares boutique marks a significant milestone in the fight against child trafficking in Las Vegas and beyond. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our youth and creating a future where every child can flourish.
For more information about PREVENT CHILD TRAFFICKING VEGAS and the Vegas Cares Boutique, please visit www.preventchildtrafficking.vegas or contact Rhonda Sciortino, 949.689.5611 rhonda@successfulsurvivors.org.
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