Dr. Merle Yaneza and her three dental assistants donated their time to provide dental screenings at the Angel Step Inn, a shelter for mothers and children recovering from substance use and domestic violence, the Whittier Daily News reported on July 3.

Outside the walk-in resource center in Pico Rivera, Calif., Yaneza performed screenings, discussed dental hygiene and scheduled appointments with residents.

Yaneza's cheerful assistants called themselves the 'Pink Ladies' because of their light pink uniforms.

When asked by an Angel Step volunteer if she would visit the shelter, 'I said of course,' said Yaneza. 'They are the ones that need our attention and love.'

'We try to promote as much community involvement as possible because our women have been so isolated,' said Marijke Pantus, program director. 'You want to kind of normalize them.'

Angel Step attempts to break the cycle of violence and addiction by offering support, resources and education, including classes on parenting, anger management, self esteem and life skills.