July Newsletter
Dear Friend,
I am honored to be writing you this month on behalf of the staff here at GEMS.
June was a great month for GEMS! We celebrated our spring Educational Initiative Award ceremony. This semester the ceremony was held on the beautiful City College campus. We honored 21 girls for their accomplishments in high school, GED programs, and college. Guest speakers included a member who earned her GED and is now registered for college, a member who finished her first year of college and advocates for children in foster care for NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services, and a GEMS staffer and former member who completed her Associate’s degree. They all spoke about the importance of education and talked about some of the struggles they have been through while staying focused and trying to achieve their goals. It was so inspiring!
We also celebrated our 5th Annual End Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Day. Members participated by reading letters addressed to girls who are still in the life. The letters were filled with hope, love, and encouragement and let girls know that there is a place called GEMS where they can come receive services and not be judged. Members also shared beautiful art work with the public that explained the many hardships they’ve been through.
I am very grateful to be celebrating these accomplishments with GEMS. I look forward to continuing to help to empower girls and young women and end the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of children.
Thank you for all you do to support GEMS!
Sincerely,
Shaquana
GEMS Outreach Worker
GEMS Educational Initiative
At GEMS we know that education is a key component to economic security and independence for survivors. Three years ago we launched our Educational Initiative program to give incentives to members who are working to further their education including those pursuing High School diplomas, General Equivalency Diplomas (GED), Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, and vocational training certification.
This year, we have many reasons to be especially proud of our members in the Educational Initiative program! One member earned her Associate’s degree, nine earned their GEDs, three graduated high school, one graduated junior high, three earned medical assisting certificates, and eight members who are enrolled in college maintained GPAs of 3.0 or better!
GEMS is looking forward to expanding our successful program in the coming year.
June Educational Initiative Ceremony
At the Educational Initiative graduation ceremony held at City College a few weeks ago, GEMS honored the accomplishments of Educational Initiative participants and issued them awards of achievement. Writer, Fashion and Media personality and Harlem resident, Beverly Smith (E!, Oxygen, BET,VH1) served as Commencement Speaker sharing personal, inspiring and humorous words of encouragement to our 2010 graduates. A big, big congratulations to all of our 2010 graduates and honorees!
GEMS Community Outreach
End CSEC Day
On June 26th, GEMS hosted the 5th Annual End CSEC Day in Central Park. The event was organized by the GEMS Youth Outreach Team to honor survivors and educate the public on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. The sun was HOT but we enjoyed an afternoon of fun including Hula Hoop, Double Dutch, quizzes, and a “Girls Are Not For Sale” T-shirt raffle to engage and educate GEMS supporters and passers-by who wanted to learn more about the issue.
Youth Outreach
GEMS participated in the Sistas on the Rise 4th Annual Young Mothers Resource Night along with several NYC organizations that provide resources, internships, jobs and direct services to young mothers.
Partnerships + Projects
Lilith Fair
GEMS was chosen as the New York charity in the 2010 Lilith Fair “Choose Your Charity Campaign”. We will be at the event with an information table spreading awareness about commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for GEMS in this contest! Please drop by and say hello at the concert. For tickets and more info, visit: www.lilithfair.com
Call for Books and Documentaries
GEMS is seeking books and documentary films on a variety of subjects for our new library for the Educational Initiative. The library will help members learn about, discuss and share their knowledge on various topics. If you are interested in donating new or gently used books, or a relevant documentary (on DVD), please send them to:
GEMS Library
c/o GEMS
201 West 148th Street, Ground Floor
New York, NY 10039
Highlights & Happenings
Members on the Move!
A big CONGRATS to Nicole* for finding employment as a Youth Advocate at YOUTH POWER!, a New York State non-profit that works diligently to provide for families of children and youth with emotional, social and behavioral challenges.
Diamond of the Month
Renee’s* self-motivation and attainment of her goals have been an inspiration to her peers. Recently, Renee was hired as an Outreach Worker with the Human Rights Coalition. She also participated in a Black College Tour in order to review her options for higher education. She is pursuing her dreams and successfully working through personal obstacles. Congratulations Renee, a GEMS Diamond of the Month!
GEMS in the News
Tags: "Vacating Convictions" Bill, commercial sexual exploitation of children, Community, Community Outreach, CSEC, Daily News, Domestic Trafficking, End CSEC Day, GEMS, GEMS Library, GEMS Newsletter, Lilith Fair, News, Newsletter, Outreach Team, Rachel Lloyd, Sistas on the Rise
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010, 3:51 pm
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