FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Hillsborough County Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda Presents Commendation to One More Child’s Loft 181
Lutz clothing boutique recognized for helping survivors of human trafficking
LUTZ, Fla., August 02, 2024 – Recognized for its impact on survivors of human trafficking and foster children, One More Child’s Loft 181 was presented with a commendation from Hillsborough County Commissioner Donna Cepeda at special event on Thursday.
Loft 181 is a clothing boutique in Lutz for teenage girls in foster care and survivors of human trafficking who need clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and other essential items. All items are donated and provided free of charge.
Founded in 2010, Loft 181 took its name from the number of girls in the Hillsborough County foster care system at the time – 181. Initially situated in a space called the “Loft” at Idlewild Church, the shop has since blossomed into a beautiful standalone boutique. It now serves as an extension of One More Child, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families both nationally and globally.
“What makes Loft 181 unique is the experience,” said Jennifer Whitten, director of Loft 181. “It’s not just a place to get clothes. It’s a place where girls are shown how much they are valued, seen, and loved.”
Each girl is accompanied by a personal shopping assistant – a volunteer – who helps pick out clothes, shoes, and other accessories. The shoppers have their names written on the door of their personal fitting room. They are offered refreshments and served by the staff and volunteers.
Florida has the third highest reports of human trafficking rates in the U.S. according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Last year, Hillsborough County received the second highest number of human trafficking reports of all Florida counties.
One More Child’s Anti-Trafficking Mobile Teams operate in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and Ohio, with plans to move into other states. The mobile teams provide resources, clinical services, counseling and mentoring to trafficking victims, helping them move beyond a life of exploitation towards a more hopeful future.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to their need,” said Dr. Leon Battle, vice president of strategic partnerships. “To the victims of human trafficking, we say—we see you, we are here for you, and you are not alone.”
Since January, One More Child’s Loft 181 has served more than 400 girls and given away more than 16,500 items. For more information on how you can help survivors of trafficking and children in foster care, visit www.onemorechild.org/loft181.
About One More Child:
One More Child operates in 26 states and 19 countries around the world, meeting the needs of foster children, hungry children, single moms, struggling families, and sex-trafficked children and teens. In 2023, One More Child provided direct services to 250,259 children and individuals while impacting an additional 143,334 individuals through advocacy, trainings, awareness and volunteering. One More Child provided more than 19 million meals nationally and globally. For more information visit www.onemorechild.org.
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Photo 1:
Hillsborough Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda presents One More Child’s Loft 181 with special commendation.
(Pictured L-R) Pastor Ken Whitten – One More Child board member, Ginny Whitten – Loft 181 manager, Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda, Jennifer Whitten – Loft 181 director, Dr. Leon Battle – One More Child vice president of strategic partnerships
Photo 2:
Loft 181 Director Jennifer Whitten thanks donors, volunteers and community members for impacting the lives of trafficking survivors and foster children.
