youthSpark’s Jennifer Swain and Eliza Reock on the progress — and ongoing challenges — in the fight to end child sex trafficking, following the news of a nationwide FBI operation that rescued victims from states including Georgia.
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Executive Director Jennifer Swain provided Mayor Dickens with a tour of the Center, sharing data and lived experiences of youth served, as well as discussed the urgent need for Atlanta to have a formal, coordinated response for missing and runaway youth.
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In a Community Partnership Chat, Verizon’s Michelle Arrington and Jennifer Swain, Executive Director of youthSpark, discussed how youthSpark’s innovative programs provide cutting edge services, education, and advocacy to combat youth trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
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Study by researchers at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health publish article underscoring the need for research focused on specific populations at risk of CSEC and the need to resolve systemic issues disproportionately affecting youth vulnerable to and experiencing CSEC.
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To celebrate the work of youthSpark, American Family Insurance has chosen us as one of its "Atlanta Risers" through their Free to Dream initiative. Free to Dream marks a long-term commitment by American Family to invest $105 million as part of this initiative to bridge equity gaps, build healthy, sustainable communities and fight for social justice.
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When families face decisions, such as keeping their lights on or their children's bellies full, it means their children's backpacks remain empty. Many thanks to volunteers from our youthSpark Board of Directors and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office who lent a helping hand where needed to support our families.
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At youthSpark, we are always working to reimagine how we offer access and opportunities to young people to think beyond their current circumstances and dare them to dream about their futures. We pride ourselves in going beyond the healing process in our Youth Services Center and empowering youth to imagine who they want to be. We know firsthand, when they can see it, they can achieve it.
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This summit event was the culmination of a 3 day theatricalfestival in which Atlanta International School, The National Center for Civiland Human Rights and the International Schools Association (ISTA) partneredwith youthSpark. It included over 100 students from 8 international schools aswell as local Atlanta schools.
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Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (ages 0-17). More than twenty years of research into ACEs underscores the links between childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, community-level violence, and poor health outcomes in adulthood.
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Having a safe community is a basic want for any of us, regardless of where we live, the color of our skin, what we do for a living, how we worship or who we love. Having a safe community during the time of the Corona Virus, added a layer.
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It is both apparent and essential, that as the world faces a major challenge, it is the daily emotional skills and tools that are both “holding” and supporting each individual right now.
Read BlogyouthSpark strives to make the holiday season a wonderful, joyous time for the families it serves. With the support of our donors and community partners, youthSpark families can celebrate and enjoy the holidays without having to worry about any financial hardships.
Read StoryAnika knew she could turn to Voices for help. Our staff worked quickly to get her photos taken down. She was so ashamed, and she didn't want anyone to see them.
Read StoryBreanna had a breakthrough during one of our sessions on healthy relationships and unconditional love, and realized that the 19-year-old she talked about was not really her boyfriend.
Read StoryBryan pledged to work with boys in the Connections program because he wants them to know that you can make it with the right people in your corner.
Read StoryAfter participating in weekly Voices group sessions for more than eight weeks, Cara began to let her guard down and joined in conversations with other girls.
Read StoryCory has written two songs expressing her love for her support team and how they have helped her during her tough times.
Read StoryDrew’s grandparents' received gender-specific counseling and psychoeducation which has improved their relationship with Drew and ultimately led to more peace in their home.
Read StoryMariah started attending Voices meetings and immediately connected with girls who had her same experiences.
Read StoryNicole was referred to youthSpark’s Youth Services Center in May 2018.
Read StoryStephanie was referred to Voices by her probation officer, after a long history of reportedly running away.
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