CBS12 · Riviera Beach
LightHouse PBC hosts pop-up laundromat to help women in crisis
A local nonprofit is spinning hope one load at a time, using laundry to connect with some of the most vulnerable women in the community. Volunteers set up chairs and signs reading: "If you're a woman living a life you never wanted to live and a place you never wanted to be, we will do your laundry for you."
"It's serving a felt need and it creates an opportunity to build community," founder Becky Dymond said. "Victims are helpless, hopeless and powerless, but you're only a victim for as long as you embrace that idea."
Women brought bags of dirty laundry and in return were asked to sit and have a chat. Lindsay Owens, a trafficking survivor and volunteer, plays a huge role in connecting with women in crisis. "Having the ability to speak to somebody who's not judging you, who's offering a hand that's not going to slap you in a few minutes or down the road, and not going to retreat from trying to help. Just having the ability to communicate, it just opens the door."
Women were offered snacks, toiletries, and detox and rehab opportunities. Even if a woman chooses not to leave her situation that day, building the relationship means she can reach out later.
WPTV · October 1, 2025 · West Palm Beach
New Florida laws strengthen penalties for child predators
Nearly 30 new laws took effect in Florida, including five aimed at protecting children from predators. Under a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, those charged with trafficking children under 12 could face life in prison or capital punishment.
"The increased penalties are brilliant," Becky Dymond told WPTV.
CBS12 · August 12, 2025 · West Palm Beach
Prostitution sting nets four in West Palm Beach
The crackdown on prostitution continued in West Palm Beach, where an undercover sting at known hot spots ended in four arrests. The operation involved undercover officers in the areas of the 1500 block of N Dixie, N Tamarind Ave, the 700 block of 5th Street and the 600 block of 35th Street.
CBS12 · Palm Beach County
Overcoming a nightmare: human trafficking survivors find comfort in baking
The aftermath of human trafficking can be a long and painful fight. For one group of survivors, relief came from baking handmade dog treats.
"I remember before this help going to sleep and asking God if I can just sleep and never wake up," said Susy, a survivor. Originally from Costa Rica, Susy said she was trafficked by her best friend's mother-in-law after being offered a free one-week vacation in the US. "Since that day, she put me in that apartment in Virginia and I slept with a lot of men. I started my schedule at 8 a.m. and it was over between 10 and 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday."
Survivors worked a regular eight hour shift at the safe house, mixing, rolling and cutting the dough, then dehydrating it for 16 hours before baking. The finished treats were packaged and sent to local pet stores and a green market in Pompano. The women were paid for their work and taught how to manage their money.
"Now baking the treats, I know that I have honest money, good money that is doing something good, not only for me but for someone else," Susy said. "It's going to put a big smile on the person who gives that treat to that dog, that dog is going to eat it happy, so I am happy."
CBS12 · Florida
Uber drivers trained to spot human trafficking victims
Uber began teaching its drivers the telltale signs: riders taken to multiple hotels for short periods, or riders with another person who seems to be controlling them.
"I think it's brilliant," said Becky Dymond, who at the time ran a safe house in Palm Beach County for trafficking victims. "It's just another opportunity for someone to leave the life in a safe way. More eyes are a good thing." She added that she hoped Lyft would do the same.
Florida is the third state in the nation for human trafficking. In 2017, 329 sex and human trafficking cases were reported in the state, and more than 4,500 victims have been rescued in Florida over the last decade.
WPTV
Quantum Foundation taking grant applications
Shannon Hawkins, director of community engagement for the Quantum Foundation, and Becky Dymond, president and founder of Hepzibah House, visit WPTV.
