Episode #39 - Roxie's Story (Part 1/2)

Episode #39 - Roxie's Story (Part 1/2)

Dr. Lois Lee sits down with Roxie, whom she first met when Roxie was 14 years old and arriving at Children of the Night. Roxie — now a Miss LA Pride contestant and an advocate with TGI Justice — shares her story: fleeing an abusive home as a young trans girl, finding safety at Children of the Night, and later surviving a violent restraint-heavy group home system that had no idea how to care for a trans kid. In this episode: * How Roxie found Children of the Night at 14, and what it felt like to walk through the doors for the first time * The abuse she survived at home, and the complicated, ongoing work of processing that relationship with her mother * Being cycled through Level 14 group homes and psychiatric holds — physical restraint, forced medication, and being treated as ""the problem"" for being trans rather than being protected * Her observation that sexual abuse doesn't only happen to boys by men — women and mothers can be abusers too, and that reality is rarely talked about * Her advocacy work today: fundraising for trans services, helping with immigration paperwork, name changes, and housing for LA's trans community * A near-fatal attack years later, and how she got through it Part 2 coming soon — subscribe so you don't miss it. Content note: This episode discusses child abuse, institutional mistreatment, and violence. Listener discretion advised. ⸻ 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 #38 - David's Story (Part 2/2)

In Part 2 of David's story, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his life as a young teenager and the lasting impact they had on his sense of identity, trust, and belonging. Dr. Lois Lee and David discuss a philosophy that has guided Children of the Night for decades: vulnerable young people should not be expected to meet standards that have never been modeled for them. Instead, the responsibility belongs to the program to set the example by treating every child with dignity, consistency, and unwavering commitment. Dr. Lois Lee also shares why Children of the Night has remained privately funded for more than 40 years. Maintaining independence has allowed the organization to make decisions based on what is best for the children they serve and to build the trust that has always been at the heart of the organization's work. ⸻ 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 #37 - David's Story (Part 1/2)

At 17 years old, David was alone. After enduring childhood sexual abuse and a difficult upbringing, he found himself dropped off on the streets of Southern California. Eventually, he made his way to the Garden Grove Gay and Lesbian Center, where he was connected with Children of the Night and Dr. Lois Lee. In this episode of The Dr. Lois Lee Show, David reflects on surviving exploitation, finding belonging, and discovering possibilities he never imagined. Inspired by Children of the Night students performing Shakespeare, the British Consul sponsored an educational trip to England—a journey that would forever change the way David saw himself and his future. Today, David lives on a small farm in Tennessee with his husband and works as a product manager for a software company. His story is one of resilience, healing, and the extraordinary impact of people who believe in young people when they cannot yet believe in themselves. Topics discussed: • Surviving childhood sexual abuse and exploitation • Finding support through Children of the Night • Why exploitation is rooted in survival and trauma • A life-changing trip to England and Oxford • The importance of feeling accepted and safe • Misconceptions about male prostitution and sexual orientation • Building a life, career, and family after trauma ⸻ 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 #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.