Our name is inspired by the Hebrew phrase mi’avdut le’cherut • ”from slavery to freedom” • מעבדות לחירות
Kherut’s Origin
After witnessing the horrors of sex-trafficking in Ukraine and Kenya, Yves and Jody Masquéfa returned home to Orange County to find sex-trafficking was happening to Americans in their own backyard. They met with local law enforcement and victim’s organizations and uncovered the missing link to permanent change: training and long term employment opportunities in a safe and understanding workplace environment tailored to survivors. However, after more research they began to understand that real impact begins with prevention. Because of that, Kherut opened up employment opportunities to other women who have faced incredible life challenges. Now, using 40+ years of experience in the restaurant business, they built a business model to fill this gap for women survivors of domestic violence, imprisonment, rape, homelessness, young women aging out of foster care; all vulnerable populations traffickers are targeting. But with the opportunity to work without judgement of their pasts, these women can find hope for a new future!
Kherut’s Mission
Kherut empowers survivors of human trafficking by providing education, mentorship, and long-term employment opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.
Kherut’s innovative solution is to build commissary kitchens that will support private and corporate catering, cooking events and daily food service locations. Working with partnering organizations such as Grandma’s House of Hope, Teen Project/Vera’s Sanctuary, Waymakers, Salvation Army, Casa Teresa and I Sanctuary, survivors enter into a 420-hour, paid training program to learn skills in food service, cooking, catering, event planning, menu design, social media, customer service, bookkeeping, inventory control, marketing, sales, and problem-solving related to the business. Long-term employees will advance within the organization or leave with the skills, experience and references they need to be successful and independent outside of it.