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October 21, 2025 28 mins

This is Part 1 of Erika’s powerful two-part story.

At just 14 years old, Erika was one of nearly 100 girls pulled from the system and called by the FBI to help locate two men who had exploited them. Terrified and unsure who to trust, she nearly lied to protect herself — but with her mother watching, she found the courage to tell the truth.

In this first part, Erika shares how she was brought into “the life” by another girl, trapped by a pimp, and misled by federal agents who told her she was entering witness protection. Instead, they brought her to Children of the Night, where she found safety, compassion, and the foundation to begin healing.

Her testimony became a turning point — both in the case and in her own life.

Highlights:

  • Testifying as a minor alongside nearly 100 other girls
  • Being misled by the FBI and finding refuge at Children of the Night
  • What safety and trust meant inside the COTN shelter home
  • How telling the truth became the first step toward freedom

About Erika Today:

Now a mother of two teenagers, Erika is on track to become an account manager and is pursuing her calling through ministry, a podcast, and a forthcoming book — living proof that courage and compassion can transform lives.

 

Follow & Support:

🌐 Website: childrenofthenight.org

📲 Facebook & Instagram: @childrenofthenightinc

🕊️ X/Twitter: @COTNight

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help us reach more listeners and protect vulnerable children.

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