Hertzberg’s Heroes: Vol. I, Issue VII
Journey Out
Welcome to Hertzberg’s Heroes! Every month, Team Hertzberg will highlight an organization or individual who exemplifies heroism through their dedication to making life better for the San Fernando Valley. Have a Hero to suggest? Submit your idea to Senator.Hertzberg@sen.ca.gov!
Journey Out is a nonprofit dedicated to aiding victims of human trafficking and ensuring their long-term health and wellbeing. Initially called the Mary Magdalene Project, this organization was founded 34 years ago in Hollywood and was comprised of only an emergency house and transitional apartments. Since then, they have changed their name and relocated to Van Nuys, now providing a multitude of services including drop-in crisis centers in Van Nuys and South Los Angeles, a prostitution diversion program, direct street outreach, and prevention and intervention education for minors.
Journey Out is headed by executive director Dr. Stephany Powell. Having seen the challenges of human trafficking firsthand throughout her career in law enforcement, Dr. Powell dedicates herself to tackling the problem from all angles, whether it be educating high school students on the dangers of human trafficking, going out on the streets and directly reaching out to victims, or helping place victims in jobs and housing so they can take back control of their lives. A 30 year veteran of the LAPD, Dr. Powell touts Journey Out’s collaborations and programs with the LAPD. These include the Prostitution Diversion Program, which allows women charged with prostitution to have their charges overturned upon completion of the program; as well as case managers and around-the-clock social services for victims who find themselves in contact with law enforcement.
Journey Out prides itself on its volunteers, half of whom are survivors of human trafficking themselves. These survivor-volunteers are an invaluable part of the organization, as they can connect with victims in ways no one else can. Journey Out is also in need of professionals with specific expertise in various areas including: health, nutrition, and job placement.
Journey Out services are available to all in the greater Los Angeles area. If you are interested in volunteering or are in need of assistance yourself, call Journey Out at (818) 988–4970. They can also be reached at their website at https://journeyout.org. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @JourneyOutLA, and on Instagram at @journeyoutla.
