Magdalene Hope Women's Center opens on Union Ave
The Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Women's Center located at 333 Union Ave.
This center will serve as a safe space where women can access vital resources and support to reclaim their lives and thrive.
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The center's founder told 17 News his vision is to create meaningful change and foster a stronger, more compassionate community. All this coming during Human Trafficking Awareness month.
'The proximity of where we're at is strategic because the women are sold about 50 yards behind our front door and this is where they line them up for sex trafficking,' Dr. Doug Bennett said. 'So, we wanted a place that can be easily accessible even if someone is watching them, keeping their eye on them, that they can come in and sit down for 10 or 15 minutes, charge their phone, get something to eat or shop at our free boutique and hopefully be able to receive counseling service.'
The center says at least 40 million people are bought and sold for sex or labor and some of that happens just outside the front door of the center.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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