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Dear Friend,

Summer is almost finally here! I had an amazing time in L.A. reading from Girls Like Us with Annette Bening, Minnie Driver, and Taraji P. Henson for Human Rights Watch–talk about a pinch-myself moment!–but I’ve got to say it’s good to be back home with the GEMS team.

Allies in the anti-trafficking movement have made major strides in bills and laws across the nation. Let’s congratulate Missouri, Vermont, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia for comprehensive human trafficking laws! Also, Georgia and Tennessee‘s new laws have critical Safe Harbor components.

Be sure to sign the petition to help Hawai’i get its very first human trafficking laws, and take a few seconds to fill out this online form to send a letter to your senator to support the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2011!

Thanks to all who contributed their gorgeous pictures to our Mother’s Day music video. Everyone here loved the photos! Plus, thank you to all who continue to raise money for GEMS girls by downloading “This Is to Mother You,” featuring Mary J. Blige, Sinead O’Connor, and GEMS own Martha B!

And Father’s Day is just a few days away. Let’s join A Call to Men in urging NYPD Commissioner Kelly to end demand in NYC, and give a gift of Girls Like Us to a man in your life! GEMS is

so proud of all the great men who are allies in our cause!

Finally, if you’re in the New York area, we hope to see you for End CSEC Day this Saturday (June 18) in Central Park!

Thank you for your ongoing support. GEMS couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,

Rachel Lloyd
Founder & Executive Director

Community Outreach

Vacating Convictions in Action

New York’s Vacating Convictions Law is officially in action! A Queens judge has applied this law for the first time to clear prostitution and drug possession convictions for a victim of sex trafficking.

Judge Toko Serita wrote, “The defendant has provided a very compelling narrative of the circumstances surrounding all of her arrests, demonstrating that they were the product of years of brutal physical, psychological, and sexual violence by her husband, which resulted in having been trafficked by him.”

Though the defendant had escaped her husband in 2005, her criminal record continued to re-victimize her. The judge’s decision to wipe the defendant’s record signals huge progress in how the courts view victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.

Courageous GEMS Members, Progressive Law Enforcement

We are so proud of two of our members who recently took actions against their traffickers: one testified for a grand jury and another wrote an empowering”victim statement,” where she

acknowledged to her former trafficker that what he did to her was wrong and she would not allow it to keep her from excelling in her life.

To help GEMS staff build members’ confidence in testifying, the Manhattan ADA and an accompanying social worker met with GEMS’ Clinical Director and direct service staff to discuss how traffickers are prosecuted, the process of testifying in front of a grand jury, and what a potential trial looks like. GEMS members shared their experiences with law enforcement and highlighted how important being listened to is–rather than solely being fast-tracked to prosecuting traffickers. The ADA reiterated his dedication to helping victims and recognized the importance of GEMS’ work. We’re energized by this partnership!

Highlights & Happenings

Diamond of the Month

We are happy to announce that Sasha is our June Diamond of the Month! Sasha became a GEMS member last year and is a resident in GEMS’ Transitional Independent Housing (TIL) program. Like many GEMS members, her previous experiences taught her to keep others at a distance. Since her arrival at GEMS, she has committed to her healing process and deserves all the credit for her growth; she is constantly putting forth her best effort, is always honest, and is motivated daily to realize her best self. She recently began classes in a GED program, and her commitment to developing safe, trusting relationships is evident in her daily engagement in GEMS programming. She has also done an excellent job of reaching out to positive sources of support when she deems necessary. Her determination to realize her potential is an inspiration; we are so proud of her ongoing effort and how far she has come!

End CSEC Day

GEMS’ annual End CSEC Day event is this Saturday! On June 18, at the Merchant’s Gate Park 59th Street entrance to Central Park, games and readings to educate the public and come together as a community will take place from 11 am to 4 pm. GEMS members and staff will be reading stories and poems, flyers with facts about CSEC will be distributed, and GEMS will conduct quizzes on facts about CSEC throughout the day for candy prizes!

GEMS will display members’ posters that represent what CSEC means to them, GEMS merchandise will be available for purchase, and there will be awards for the best participants in the day’s events. This gathering is free and open to the public; bring your family and friends!

Special Member Screening

GEMS members watched a special prerelease film screening of Yelling to the Sky, and debut filmmaker Victoria Mahoney conducted an intimate Q&A session. The girls were eager to discuss filmmaking and art, and for the surprise visit visit from Zoë Kravitz, who stars in the film! The screening kicked off GEMS members’ film screening series, which Alexandra Roxo is conducting.

This Month’s Museum Trips for Members

Visiting the American Folk Art Museum really resonated with members, as a lot of women were featured in the recent quilting exhibition, and the girls made folk art self-portraits in a special workshop. At the Museum of Modern Art, members got a private tour with one of the museum educators on German expressionists. Everyone had a great time!

Dignity U Wear

GEMS is grateful for an ongoing partnership with Dignity U Wear: Brand New Clothes for a Brand New Life, which has been donating never-before-worn casual and professional clothes to GEMS members for job interviewing and attending job fairs.

Community Partnerships

GEMS members have been having so much fun during their monthly “Girls Night In” with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Delta Omega Chapter! The sorority also donated proceeds from a screening at Long Island University to GEMS.

Philanthropic Student Group Wins Award

Cornell’s student group SASSY recently won two awards! The Robinson-Appel Humanitarian Award helped fund the GEMS training for their local law enforcement community, and the Program Showcase Award recognizes the group’s exceptional educational programs about CSEC.

Shout Out to Staff!

GEMS is thrilled to have hired a new Youth Outreach Coordinator, Kalima DeSuze. Welcome to the team, Kalima! Also, GEMS’ Transitional Independent Living intern Tajia

Haynes and Criminal Court Advocacy Coordinator Zena Watson have been doing great work as social work interns. Thanks for your hard work, everybody!

GEMS in the News

“Seattle’s Sex-Trafficking Problem Brought to Light”

- South Seattle Beacon

“Sex Trafficking of Americans: The Girls Next Door”

- VanityFair.com

“Countrywide Efforts Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking”

- GenEllynPatch.com

“Is the Media Reporting on Human Trafficking Accurately?”

- SocialJusticeUSA.org

“Broad Stage to Host Human Rights Watch Benefit”

- LATimes.com

January has been another inspiring and productive month here at GEMS!

I recently conducted a special survivor-focused train-the-trainer training for GEMS’ Youth Outreach Workers. As survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking, GEMS’ Youth Outreach workers are key in the education and training of the public about this issue–it’s absolutely critical for trainees to understand the perspectives of survivors in order to address gaps in services and erase stigma.  This training was tremendously motivating to me personally.  I am reminded of how much work there is still to be done, and how lucky GEMS is to have a group of thoughtful, talented young women committed to doing it.

I am so excited about GEMS’ upcoming Valentine’s Day Campaign: I Love GEMS!  While people usually associate the holiday with flowers, cards and candy, here at GEMS that day is about real love and what that means.  I hope you will join us in this campaign to spread awareness about the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of girls and young women by sharing why you love GEMS!

As always, thank you so much for your ongoing support of GEMS’ mission and the girls and young women we serve.  Our supporters make it all happen!

Sincerely,

Rachel Lloyd
Founder & Executive Director

Community Outreach

Show GEMS Some Love This

Valentine’s Day

GEMS is kicking off our annual Valentine’s Day Campaign this year: I Love GEMS!  Stay tuned on Facebook, Twitter and the Council of Daughters for action ideas; inspiring words from members, staff and supporters; and opportunities to talk about CSEC and domestic trafficking with the people you love.

Screenings with Big Brothers Big Sisters

On January 10th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC hosted a screening Very Young Girls for the “Bigs” in their program to educate them on the issues of CSEC and domestic trafficking.  A GEMS representative spoke after the screening offered suggestions on ways to get more involved.  If you’d like to host a screening, please click here.

Highlights & Happenings

GEMS Holds Third Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Week

HIV/AIDS Awareness Week was founded to honor the memory of a GEMS member who passed away in 2008 from AIDS. Organized by GEMS’ Youth Outreach Team, the event educates the girls and young women we serve about HIV/AIDS, and offers them information on protecting themselves, HIV/AIDS testing, and resources for HIV positive people.  Each year the event has a theme, and  this year the team focused on HIV positive women.  GEMS members created books to illustrate how HIV affects women and children in the United States.  Members also wrote an engaging play about transmission and prevention.  The play was interactive, and members had an opportunity to step into parts of the performance and explore options on how they can protect themselves with the cast.  Sheila, a GEMS Youth Outreach worker said, “It’s beneficial, this week helps girls think twice about their decisions in relationships with men.  They know that they can still have a life, but can live it safely.”

POETRY 4 POWER

GEMS hosted a Poetry 4 Power workshop last month, which focused on how girls and women can utilize poetry to empower themselves.  After the two spoken word poets shared powerful performances, GEMS members each wrote their own moving poetry and shared it with the group.  This workshop was so inspirational that one of our GEMS members has gone on to read her own work at three open mic nights!

Meet Glory

Glory is a certified therapy dog.  She visits the GEMS office weekly with our licensed clinical psychologist and is an expert at providing affection, comfort and attention to the girls and young women we serve.

Member Spotlights

One of GEMS’ diamonds this month is Gwen.  Gwen lives in GEMS’ Imani House with her one-year-old daughter.  She holds a full-time retail position and her daughter is enrolled in daycare.  Gwen courageously testified against her trafficker and her testimony played an integral role in the judge’s handing down of a significant sentence.  As a former participant in GEMS’ Alternative To Incarceration program, Gwen is often seen mentoring a new GEMS member or giving advice from the perspective of someone who can relate to what another member is facing. Gwen is proof of the incredible courage and compassion of GEMS members!

Marybeth was a GEMS member and resident who successfully moved into to her own apartment in 2009 is now a Human Resources manager.  She continues to keep a sharp focus on her goals which includes going to college, and becoming an active advocate in the human trafficking field.  We are so proud of all that she has already accomplished!

GEMS in the News

News

Five Innovative Ways to Protect Young Victims of the Sex Trade

- Theglobeandmail.com

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

April was another busy travel month!  In addition to the Ashoka Future Forum in Washington DC, I also attended the Women’s Funding Network National Conference in Denver, CO.  It’s the largest annual event of it’s kind, with more than 400 philanthropists, grantmakers, community leaders and social entrepreneurs from six continents dedicated to investing in women and girls. It was inspiring!

While in Denver, I learned I was being honored by The Administration for Children’s Services New York as a part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. GEMS Youth Outreach worker Cynthia accepted the Advocacy Award on my behalf for our efforts to protect vulnerable children and families in our City.

This Mother’s Day, I am listening to the GEMS anthem, “This is To Mother You,” a song donated to the agency by Sinead O’Connor and performed by O’Connor, Mary J. Blige and former GEMS member Martha B.  I worked again with filmmaker David Schisgall (Very Young Girls) to produce a music video for the song whose lyrics reflect the way we feel about the young women and girls we serve at GEMS: protect them, nurture them and support them.

In May, I will be advocating for CSEC survivors at the Office for Victims of Crime Conference on Human Trafficking in Washington, DC and at the Prime Movers New Fellow Conference in Boston.  I am also looking forward to accompanying GEMS Youth Outreach Worker Shaquana as she testifies at a congressional briefing on Domestic Trafficking in Washington, DC.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement for the work we are doing here at GEMS!

Sincerely,

Rachel Lloyd

Founder & Executive Director

Girls Educational & Mentoring Services

Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, GEMS is celebrating the beauty and worth of all women and girls.  Last month, we invited supporters to submit a favorite photo with a mother, daughter, or other amazing, influential females in their lives for a chance to be included in the official “This is To Mother You” music video. The music video, like the song, recorded by Sinead O’Connor, Mary J. Blige and former GEMS member Martha B. will be used as a tool to spread awareness and honor the many individuals who help in the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of girls.  We received so many beautiful pictures from our friends that we had to create this video in the meantime!

Watch the supporter generated video! Click here to buy the song.

GEMS Community Outreach

Recent Outreach
GEMS’ Youth Outreach Workers have been out in the community talking to the public about the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of girls.  Some recent highlights include:

• All Black Radio 91.7 FM Community Radio: GEMS Outreach Worker Shaquana was a featured guest where she talked about CSEC and domestic trafficking. The station manager suggested GEMS host their very own radio show.  Hmm… GEMS Radio, not a bad idea!

• The United Nations: GEMS Youth Outreach Worker, Sheila spoke on a panel exploring social exclusion at The United Nations Division of Social Policy and Development, Civil Society Forum: Voices of the People: Civil Society Speaks. Here is an excerpt of her speech: “As a victim I was invisible. When I was in the life I worked around 42nd Street. One time,  my pimp caught me sleeping in the Port Authority bathroom. He had forced me to work for two days straight with no food, and when he found me sleeping he beat the crap out of me in front of all of the people at Port Authority – the cops, the cabs, everybody – and nobody tried to stop him, or asked me if I needed help. He dragged me through Port Authority and out the building. I was bleeding, my shirt was ripped, and nobody  helped me. After something like that, you really feel like nobody sees you. You feel like this is only happening to me. You can’t imagine it happening to someone else. There’s a police station inside Port Authority, but no cops helped me or arrested my pimp. Nobody did anything. I know firsthand that CSEC victims are socially excluded from their families, from education, medical and counseling services, and protection by the law. All of the things that everyday people have access to and take for granted are things that more than 300,000 youth in the U.S. don’t really have access to. The invisibility of so many youth highlights the need for services for CSEC victims in the United States.”

The Office of Strategic Initiatives at the Port Authority recently reached out to GEMS to collaborate with the agency to improve conditions at the Port Authority through our Outreach initiatives.  We are looking forward to partnering with them to help end the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of girls.

Highlights & Happenings

Educational Initiatives: Intern for a Day
After a successful Career Day last fall when GEMS members were introduced to a variety of career options from professional women, the concept was recently expanded into a one-day internship where members spent the entire day shadowing a female professional.

GEMS’ Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Program
We have a new partnership with Brooklyn Criminal Court.  The ATI program is a part of GEMS’ court advocacy efforts to provide defender-based alternative sentencing services and support for young women ages 16-21 who are survivors of commercial sexual exploitation involved in the criminal court system within the boroughs of New York City on matters related to prostitution and correlating arrests.

GEMS’ ATI Program ensures that all young women arrested for prostitution are afforded the opportunity to connect with supportive services within the community that can assist them in exiting and recovery.  GEMS’ ATI Program provides court advocacy efforts to Midtown Community Court, Bronx Community Solutions, and now Brooklyn Criminal Court.

New Programming: Mommy & Me
Mommy & Me is a support group for GEMS members who are either pregnant or parenting. The group uses Cassandra Mack’s, MSW The Single Mom’s Little Book of Wisdom curriculum, which is geared to empower young mothers and mothers to be in various areas of self-care and parenting using six core themes: affirmation, devotion, personal pledge, reflective reading and journaling, questions to ask oneself and action steps.

Diamonds of the Month

GEMS’ Diamond of The Month program highlights members who are making significant progress in their personal development. Diamonds are nominated by GEMS staff and those selected are featured on GEMS’ Community Wall.  This month we added two members:

Lillian
Lillian has been a GEMS member for almost 2 ½ years.  Since arriving, she has been working towards achieving her goals and being a positive inspiration for her peers. While residing in GEMS housing, Lillian obtained employment and saved enough money to move out on her own while working diligently with her lawyer from Urban Justice to obtain her T-Visa. Lillian has also actively pursued her artistic interests by attended acting, vocal and dance classes, with the hopes of beginning college soon. Lillian has accomplished so much through her hard work and commitment.  She is an inspiration to everyone at GEMS!

Jennifer
Jennifer exemplifies the essence of what GEMS works to achieve. With maturity and a sense of self, Jennifer takes every opportunity to learn and grow from her past experiences. Two months after coming to GEMS, she started classes at Mission College as a Marketing and Advertising major. Presently living in California, she hopes to return to NY to enroll at FIT. Jennifer recently created a personal plan for herself, which has not only strengthened her focus but given her a visual of the steps needed in order to accomplish the goals she has set for herself. Aware of her beauty, worth, and potential for future success, Jennifer represents what it means to be a GEMS Diamond of the Month.

GEMS In the News

News

Join GEMS in the fight to hold Craigslist accountable for profiting from the trafficking of girls.  Click here to read the open letter from GEMS founder and Executive Director Rachel Lloyd to Jim Buckmaster, the CEO of Craigslist.  Then click here to sign the petition.  To read recent press about this issue, please check out:

“Gambino Mob Meets Craigslist? Trafficking Women Online for Sex Say Authorities”

- CBSNews.com

“Is Craigslist a Pimp?”

- HuffingtonPost.com

“Craigslist is Subpoenaed Over Sex Ads”

- NYTimes.com

Media

“Sex Ads Seen Adding Revenue to Craigslist”

-NYTimes.com

Rachel on the Radio

- Power 105 Radio Community Show

“This Could Happen to Anyone” In NCFY’s award-winning latest podcast, a GEMS member who was commercially sexually exploited at age 17 talks about how she became a victim of sex trafficking and was able to escape her trafficker with the support of GEMS.

- National Clearing House on
Families & Youth

Contact: Muhammida El Muhajir

718 496 2305 | muhammida@suninleo.com

Demi Moore wins $250,000 Grant in Pepsi Refresh Celebrity Challenge

to support NYC Human Trafficking Organization, GEMS

Girls Educational & Mentoring Services

New York, N.Y., March 1, 2010— Actress Demi Moore secures victory over actor, Kevin Bacon to win the Pepsi Refresh Celebrity Challenge and Demi’s selected cause, GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services will be awarded the top prize of $250,000. GEMS is the nation’s largest non-profit organization designed to empower American girls and young women, ages 12-21 who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.

A committed anti-trafficking advocate, Demi unleashed the power of her social media network to get out the vote for her cause to benefit GEMS.  “The Pepsi Refresh Grant will allow GEMS to train 10 former victims as outreach workers and employ them to go back to their community and refresh the lives of thousands of victimized girls.  I believe the work that GEMS is doing is nothing short of heroic!,” says Demi who along with her husband, Ashton Kutcher, launched The DNA Foundation committed to protecting the freedom of the world’s most vulnerable citizens by forcing sex slavery out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

“I am thrilled that GEMS has gained powerful allies in Demi Moore and The DNA Foundation and honored to be the beneficiary of a Pepsi Refresh Grant.  The grant will support us in the important work of transforming survivors of domestic trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation into future leaders. This transformation is most evident with GEMS Outreach workers, young women who advocate for  legislation to protect other young victims, challenge misperceptions of survivors and educate and support peers and at-risk girls,” says Rachel Lloyd, GEMS founder/Executive Director.

“I am excited that GEMS won the Pepsi Refresh grant.  As a GEMS Outreach worker, I travel to juvenile detention facilities, group homes, and schools, to educate girls on the issues of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. This is very important to me because often girls have no idea what really goes on and if I can reach them before an exploiter ever does they will know the truth of what that life really offers. I let them know that if they have been a victim of trafficking, GEMS is a place where they can get help and wont be judged,” says Shaquana who was forced into the sex trade at 14 and with the support of GEMS, graduated as high school valedictorian and is now a college sophomore.

Pepsi will also award $100,000 to support Kevin’s cause, SixDegrees.org, which will distribute thousands of $20 SixDegree.org Good Card, a gift card which they can use to support a charity of their choice. Demi and Kevin’s ideas are one of hundreds that have been submitted from around the country for a chance to win some of than $20 million available from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Pepsi Refresh Project

In an effort to support those who generate innovative, optimistic ideas, the Pepsi Refresh Project (www.refresheverything.com), will award more than $20 million in 2010 to move communities forward.  Individuals can apply for grants to benefit a variety of projects and site visitors can vote for the best ideas for funding.  The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Refresh Everything initiative Pepsi launched in 2009, which showed the brand as an optimistic catalyst for idea creation, leading to an ever-refreshing world.   Pepsi will fund projects that make a difference in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education.

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