Episode #36 - Javier (Part 2/2)

Episode #36 - Javier (Part 2/2)

In Part 2 of Javier's story, he reflects on the extraordinary reality of surviving not one, but two of Los Angeles County's most infamous child abuse scandals. As a child, Javier was among the students impacted by the Mark Berndt case, a nationally known abuse scandal that shocked parents and educators across the country. After speaking up about what happened, he entered the foster care system, where he would later experience additional trauma at MacLaren Hall, the now-closed Los Angeles County receiving center that became the subject of widespread allegations of abuse and neglect. Javier shares how these experiences shaped his life, his understanding of resilience, and his determination to keep moving forward despite the odds. Dr. Lois Lee and Javier also discuss a powerful truth that has guided Children of the Night for nearly five decades: compassion cannot be taught. The adults entrusted with the care of vulnerable children must possess the empathy, humanity, and commitment necessary to help young people heal. The conversation concludes with a deeply personal reflection on the lifelong bond between Javier and Dr. Lois Lee. What began as a rescue became a relationship built on trust, support, and unconditional care—a reminder that healing often starts when one person chooses not to give up on a child. Topics Discussed: • Surviving the Mark Berndt abuse scandal • Experiences within the foster care system • MacLaren Hall and its lasting impact on youth • The importance of believing children when they speak up • Why compassion matters when working with vulnerable youth • Resilience, healing, and rebuilding a life after trauma • The lifelong relationship between Javier and Dr. Lois Lee If you or someone you know is a young person in crisis, Children of the Night provides free services, education support, case management, and emergency assistance to youth across the United States. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

Episode #35 - Javier (Part 1/2)

Javier was one of the children impacted by the Mark Berndt abuse scandal, one of the most notorious school abuse cases in Los Angeles history. As a third-grade student, he tried to escape what was happening by running away from school. When he spoke up, he says no one believed him. What followed was a childhood spent moving through systems that were supposed to protect him. After entering foster care, Javier was placed at MacLaren Hall, where he experienced further abuse at the hands of staff members. His story could have ended there. Instead, Javier eventually found support through Children of the Night and Dr. Lois Lee, beginning a long journey toward healing and recovery. Today, Javier shares his story not only as a survivor, but as someone who has spent years advocating for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. In this powerful conversation, he reflects on survival, resilience, accountability, and the lifelong impact of being believed. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

Episode #34 - Lynne (Part 2/2)

In Part 2 of Lynne’s story, retired Homeland Security professional and former Children of the Night outreach worker Lynne shares one of the most heartbreaking cases she encountered while working the streets of Hollywood alongside Dr. Lois Lee. Drawing from her years of outreach experience, Lynne reflects on the realities of meeting vulnerable young people where they were, building trust, and witnessing the devastating impact of exploitation. Among the many cases she encountered, one stands out as the most disturbing: a young girl who had been handed over by her mother to her father, who was exploiting her. Through this candid conversation, Dr. Lois Lee and Lynne discuss the complex dynamics of trafficking, family betrayal, grooming, and the lasting trauma experienced by victims. They also share insights from decades of frontline work helping young people find safety, support, and hope for a different future. This episode provides a sobering look at the realities behind child exploitation and the critical role outreach workers play in identifying victims and connecting them with life-changing resources. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

Episode #33 - Lynne (Part 1)

In Episode 33, we begin part one of Lynne’s story. Lynne entered prostitution in her early 20s . She was married, raising a child, and living in Minnesota when a man she met on a night out promised to care for them both. But his promises led her to the streets of New York City. After his run-in with the law, Lynne found herself in Los Angeles—still trapped. When a new threat emerged, an attacker claiming she belonged to him, Lynne reached out to Dr. Lois Lee—setting the stage for her escape. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

Episode #32 - Sarah

In Episode 32, Sarah shares how she was introduced to exploitation at 15, her years of addiction and instability, and the turning point that came when she sought help from Children of the Night. With ongoing support, she earned her GED, completed two degrees, and is now preparing for a career helping others recover and rebuild their lives. ⸻ Listen Now: 🎧 New episodes weekly on Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and wherever you listen. Follow & Support 🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org 📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenight 🕊️ X/Twitter: @LoisLee_COTN 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.