We Teamed Up with Goya Cares
Every two minutes, a child is trafficked for sexual exploitation in the United States. Among the 5,000 children that Olive Crest serves daily, approximately 20% have been involved with human sex trafficking, over 50% have been approached, and 100% are at high risk of being targeted. Understanding the critical need to support children in crisis to reduce their risk of trafficking, Olive Crest remains dedicated to combating human trafficking and has been a leader in child abuse prevention and youth support for over 50 years.
Olive Crest’s commitment to supporting youth in distress resulted in a partnership exceeds 10 years with Goya Foods and has since transformed into a relationship with Goya Cares, a global initiative by Goya Foods focused on fighting child trafficking. Recognizing the profound impact of Olive Crest’s work, Goya Cares recently partnered with Olive Crest to provide 100 free trainings on child trafficking awareness. Because of its existing relationships with churches and schools, Olive Crest will help to educate teenagers and parents through these trainings that aim to equip participants with the knowledge to identify and prevent human trafficking.
Contrary to many movie portrayals, victims are often lured in ways that are more subtle and insidious. Through the Goya Cares LIGHT series, students and families across Orange County and Los Angeles will learn to identify the warning signs of trafficking and recognize red flags both online and in unsafe environments. The series will also address the dangers of online exploitation and provide information on how to seek help.
“We are honored to have been chosen as a partner by Goya Cares in the fight against child trafficking,” said Olive Crest CEO Donald Verleur II. “Thanks to their support, Olive Crest can now educate various communities across Southern California about child trafficking prevention and resources. By raising awareness and providing essential preventative education, together, we can be the light that helps today’s survivors and prevents future victims, effectively stopping traffic.”
To learn more about this program or to watch the LIGHT video, please visit www.olivecrest.org/everyone-can-do-something/.
“The mission of Goya Cares is to educate, support, and protect children, and families, from being enslaved, abused and subjected to the trauma and mental health associated with child trafficking. Goya Cares encourages community collaboration by recognizing this growing epidemic and working collectively to raise awareness and provide education that will help protect our youth,”
Bob Unanue, President & CEO of Goya Foods.
ABOUT OLIVE CREST
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 200,000 children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. Our 98% stability rate is a testament to the lifelong commitment and unwavering compassion that the Olive Crest family maintains to the children and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs.
Olive Crest serves 5,000 children and families each day throughout the Western United States.
For information, call 800.550.CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.
ABOUT GOYA CARES
Goya Cares was established in 2021 and has helped raise awareness among millions of people around the world while supporting organizations and individuals through the Goya Cares coalition. The mission of Goya Cares is to educate, support, and protect children, and families, from being enslaved, abused and subjected to the trauma associated with child trafficking. To encourage community collaboration by recognizing the risks and working collectively to raise awareness and protect our youth. #GoyaCares