LR progam Final int.

GEMS’ programming is gender responsive, trauma informed, developmentally grounded, strengths
based, social justice oriented, and culturally competent. The funds raised allow GEMS to provide
housing, youth development, education programs, and legal advocacy. We are committed to our
vision of ending the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and trafficking of children, and appreciate
your generous contributions.
Below are some of our programs that your contributions support.
Holistic Case Management
provides weekly one-on-one support to build transformational
relationships with staff, ongoing assessments,
goal planning and counseling, as well as informed external
referrals and follow-up.
Youth Development
addresses young women’s developmental, social and
emotional needs through strengths-based recreational,
educational, and therapeutic programming.
Youth Leadership
supports the development of critical thinking, leadership
and community organizing skills, and deepens
members’ understanding of the social conditions that
keep commercial sexual exploitation in place through
classroom-based learning, as well as practical internship
and fellowship experiences within the agency.
Educational Initiative
supports members to engage or re-engage in the educational
process, obtain their high school diploma or
GED and succeed in post-secondary education or
vocational training by providing educational support
services, such as tutoring, financial incentives and support
groups; and by building a culture of educational
success by showcasing the academic achievements
of members.
SISTA Mentoring Project
builds supportive, mentoring relationships between
community volunteers, older members and members
under the age of 18 through weekly facilitated group
activities that seek to increase engagement, build
social skills and provide another layer of support for
GEMS’ youngest members.
Prevention and Outreach
conducts peer-led outreach workshops to high-risk
youth in residential and detention facilities, and schools
across New York City, by using a youth friendly curriculum
to facilitate open and honest discussions about
commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.
Transitional Independent Living
provides housing to GEMS members between the ages
of 16 and 21, and offers a supportive environment
where youth can build lasting self-sufficiency and independent
living skills.
Imani House
provides housing to GEMS members ages 18 to 23 and
their children, and helps them secure permanent housing.
Alternative to Incarceration & Family Court
provides defender-based alternative sentencing services
and support for girls and young women who are
survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and are
involved in the criminal and family courts within the
boroughs of New York City, ensuring all girls and young
women involved in the court system are afforded the
opportunity to connect with supportive services in the
community that would be able to identify victims of
sexual exploitation and assist them in exiting and recovery.