'You can be somebody afterward': $100K donation will help nonprofit that aids sex workers, human trafficking victims

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A gift of $100,000 will allow a local nonprofit that helps sexually exploited women reach even more people on Milwaukee's South Side.

Inner Beauty Center, located at 1300 S. Layton Blvd Milwaukee, has served the community since 2012. Founder and Executive Director Deanne Lawson said this part of the city is the place she plans to continue helping well into the future.

"This is where we are called to reach out to," she said.

Their mission, to help women who have been sexually abused, trafficked, or who are involved in prostitution, will continue on the South Side for years to come. To ensure they continue to help women in the area, the City of Milwaukee donated $100,000 to Inner Beauty Center.

"I am just so thankful for this, and I know our ladies are too because they come in, they like us, they feel comfortable, they feel safe with us here," Lawson said.

Eighth District Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa was a part of the effort to get this donation to the non-profit that serves part of her district.

"I just knew that in trying to address this issue on the near South Side, Deane and Inner Beauty were the ones to go to, to do this work," Zamarripa said.

Over the years, the organization has helped hundreds of women get out of the sex trade by providing them with basic needs and resources.

"We give them a hot meal, personal care items for them to take, travel size at least for them to have because most of them are homeless, so they don't have a place to stay and clothing," Inner Beauty Center Client Advocate Lynn Lopez said.

"[They are] daughters and mothers and sisters, you know. They're human beings."

Some people they assist even return as volunteers to help save others.

"It's important for me so that they see it's possible. You can be somebody afterward. You can be that person that people told you wouldn't be," Volunteer Kimberly Hoeppner said.

This gift will allow them to expand to a bigger space, something they have been planning to do for a while. Lawson said they plan to stay in the same area when they move.

For more information, visit their website or Facebook page or call them at (414) 687-2248.