Restoration Diversion Services Presents Compton’s Human Trafficking Task Force Community Meeting
Written by: Melanie Sambrano
Photos by: Jakori Rodgers
An afternoon of community, support, and connections. Sponsored by Restoration Diversion Services (RDS), the Compton Human Trafficking Task Force (CHTTF) meets at Compton’s very own Dollarhide Community Center to discuss its mission to help survivors of human trafficking and prevent it.
Over 30 attendees gathered in Room 101, each individual representing a different organization, resource, and approach. Still, every single one pursuing and serving the same mission: “Unite city leadership, law enforcement, service providers, faith organizations, schools, and survivor leaders to prevent trafficking, protect and restore survivors, and pursue justice through education, collaboration, and trauma-informed intervention” (CHTTF Mission Statement).
RDS’ own Deatra Handy started the meeting by emphasizing the main focus of these meetings and of this task force: the young women. “Watching the light come back into their eyes…watching women get strong and brave enough to walk away from this life” (Deatra Handy, RDS).
After a welcome from RDS executive director Pamela Bryant and a powerfully moving opening prayer by a City Missionary attendee, Abel Prudhomme, we heard from RDS Case Manager Brená Robinson. As Case Manager, Robinson dedicates her work to helping young women escape the horrors of human trafficking. She stressed the importance of resources, stating, “everyone is a resource,” and of needs such as housing, employment, and access to official documents that are crucial to repaving these young women’s lives. RDS proves successful in such endeavors by aiding over 50 young ladies, housing 3-4 clients in one house, which is an immense success.
We hear from one of these promising young ladies. A survivor, a go-getter, and now enrolled in Compton College, an aspiring social worker who wishes to play her part in empowering RDS and their mission. De’Aija recounted her journey of hope and restoration. She was trafficked for 2 years and endured abuse from past relationships; despite this, she did not think of herself as a victim. She is a survivor. A survivor inspired by her experiences and an advocate for the notion of healing as non-linear. She expresses gratitude to RDS, stating that a year ago, she was not doing well and made a promise to be where she is now thanks to the resources provided to her. She was the first intern hired through RDS’ employment program and is set to continue working with the organization.
90% of girls come to RDS broken and angry. RDS is their connection to hope. There are no connections to the outside world while trapped in the human trafficking life. RDS offers hope and opportunities. But none of that is possible alone. Partners, other organizations, and services are needed to make the community one where these young women feel supported and valued. “The strength and compassion in this room is tangible,” said Deatra in response to the strong turnout of the meeting on short notice. (Deatra Handy, RDS).
The floor was given to each attendee. A chance to share who they are, their organization’s mission, and what valued resource they can provide to the community. A plentiful variety of resources. Volunteers and advocates for not only human trafficking, but domestic violence as well. Two officers from Compton College Campus Police are spreading awareness of RDS to the young girls they encounter who are experiencing human trafficking. Father-Con, an organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking at a source: the absentee father in a family unit.
Also in attendance were Councilman Jonathan Bowers and Councilwoman Lillie Darden, proving their cities’ passion in assisting RDS and who want to help before taking drastic measures. Two other RDS survivors, Coco and Naomi, who have been with Deatra, or Miss D, for 2 years, describe themselves as not brave or strong, but resilient.
As for media representation, Angelique Francis, the impact producer for her own non-profit radio show Living in the Sweet Spot, shared her show’s goal to spread awareness and create an environment of support and empathy: “People need to understand the truth behind the story”(Angelique Francis, Living in the Sweet Spot). She has had RDS on her show as a guest, and Patrick Erlandson from Father-Con.
And yours truly, Hub City Reporter. Dedicated to reporting on and supporting the strong and impactful community that is Compton.
The CHTTF represents and stands by RDS’ three-pronged statement: Recognize, Respond, Restore. The CHTTF is proud of its efforts in mitigating human trafficking in its city, and you can make a difference too by attending the next task force meeting on September 24, 2026.
