Episode #35 - Javier (Part 1/2)

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.

Episode #31 - Connie

Connie’s story is one of survival, support, and the possibility of rebuilding. As a young person, she experienced early harm that made her more vulnerable to exploitation by someone she trusted. When she was eventually found by law enforcement, she was placed in juvenile hall, a reality many exploited youth still face. Through it all, her father never gave up on her. Connie was later connected to Children of the Night, where she found safety and long-term support. That support didn’t end when she left. It continued through education, emotional care, and guidance as she began rebuilding her life. Today, Connie is working toward reconnecting with her children and moving forward with strength and purpose, with a team still standing beside her. Her story is a reminder that consistent support, safe relationships, and advocacy can change the trajectory of a life. Listen to the full episode of The Dr. Lois Lee Show on YouTube. New episodes every Tuesday. ⸻ 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.