Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation's "$100K for 100" program.
We will apply these funds to our Gaining Independence For Tomorrow (GIFT) program.
Since July, 2008 GIFT has served approximately 400 young women that are at high risk or are known victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. These girls are between the ages of 11-21 and are involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Through intensive individual mentoring, weekly psychosocial support groups, enrichment activities and leadership opportunities, our seven (7) Life Coaches aid the girls in their recovery from exploitation or work to prevent them from entering an exploitive relationship.
With this very generous grant from the Cummings Foundation, we are able to expand the GIFT program to include girls that have aged out of DCF care, yet still need their Life Coach, and girls referred by Probation so they can avoid being locked up.
Through our Dimock Street Lead Agency Program we provide referrals and a variety of support services to over 250 Boston families involved with the Department of Children and Families.
Our GIFT Program provides intensive Life Coaching to young girls who have been Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
"What I've Been Through Is Not Who I Am" chronicles the commercial sexual exploitation of young women.
