The RISE Program has opened a new San Jose thrift store to the public Saturday with the goal of offering hope to young survivors of sexual exploitation.
One-hundred percent of sales will fund its new drop-in center in Redwood City. The center empowers survivors with classes, therapy, and support services.
A report on human trafficking released this week showed many victims are from Santa Clara County and are between the ages of 13 to 17 years old.
"It's in our own backyard," RISE President Anne Corbett said.
Corbett also said the store will give hope to children who have been sexually exploited.
"There’s this the huge outpouring of the community in supporting us," she said. "Everything in here has been donated... to start this program...supporting this endeavor. Planting seeds of hope in youth is a huge process."
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The RISE program plans on opening a residential program in San Mateo County later this spring.
