Respect & Responsibility for Girls after-school support group helps girls ages 10 to 17 in the greater Lyell-Otis neighborhood by fostering self-esteem, financial literacy, knowledge of career opportunities, and improved academic performance through weekly support groups, field trips, Junior Achievement classes and one-to-one mentoring

Support Services for Formerly Incarcerated Working Women helps women maintain permanent employment by addressing the unique social support needs of participants through support groups and rapid reward incentives

The Young Women’s Leadership and Employment Project prepares and places young women in high-profile and role-model positions as they seek to address social change in the community while gaining career-based skills and meaningful employment

C.A.S.H. Coach offers financial education and one-to-one financial coaching to low-income working women helping them achieve self-defined goals, strengthen their savings vs. debt position and develop improved money management habits

Green Visions: Growing Healthy Futures is a workforce and career development program for unemployed, out-of-school young adults in Rochester’s JOSANA neighborhood providing training, certifications and employment which prepares them for future work opportunities in agricultural, food processing, manufacturing, construction, business services and other fields

Out of School Time with Girl Scouts is a year-round program with paid leadership that supports Girl Scout groups in the city of Rochester with program emphasis on STEM fields, financial literacy, leadership, teamwork and community service

Women’s Legal Action Project & Support Services helps women with convictions overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services and support to obtain identifications, correct RAP (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) sheets, achieve Certificates of Relief, and by making referrals to education, training and employment-related services

Women’s Empowerment Program of Jennifer House provides case management, counseling, mentoring and support services to homeless women discharged from area jails and prisons who are stable and focused on pursuing their educational and vocational goals to become self-sustaining and avoid re-incarceration

Project Independence at Healthy Moms is a job training and placement program customized for each participant that leads directly to employment and increased self-sufficiency by tackling the obstacles that keep employment out of reach for low-income mothers with a child under the age of four

Training Scholarships for Women in VOA Programs prepares women for employment in construction/trades jobs by providing scholarships to the Rochester Construction Training Center along with support services and case management from VOA to remove barriers to success

Respect & Responsibility for Girls after-school support group helps girls ages 10 to 17 in the greater Lyell-Otis neighborhood by fostering self-esteem, financial literacy, knowledge of career opportunities, and improved academic performance through weekly support groups, field trips, Junior Achievement classes and community mentors

C.A.S.H. Coach offers financial education and one-to-one financial coaching to low-income working women helping them achieve self-defined goals, strengthen their savings vs. debt position and develop improved money management habits

is a workforce and career development program for unemployed, out-of-school young adults in Rochester’s JOSANA neighborhood providing training, certifications and employment which prepares them for future work opportunities in agricultural, food processing, manufacturing, construction, business services and other fields

Out of School Time with Girl Scouts is a year-round program with paid leadership that supports Girl Scout groups in the city of Rochester with program emphasis on STEM fields, financial literacy, leadership, teamwork and community service

helps women with convictions overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services and support to obtain identifications, correct RAP (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) sheets, achieve Certificates of Relief, and by making referrals to education, training and employment-related services

The Job Skills Class prepares refugees for the workforce by teaching American cultural norms, English language skills for the workplace, computer literacy, and assisting with resume writing, application completion, interview preparation, and job search

helps reduce repeat teen pregnancies and improve employability of young mothers through home-based case management and counseling, employment preparation activities, subsidized work experiences and job coaching

provides case management, counseling, mentoring and support services to homeless women discharged from Monroe County Jail who are stable and focused on pursuing their educational and vocational goals to become self-sustaining and avoid re-incarceration

is a job training and placement program customized for each participant that leads directly to employment and increased self-sufficiency by tackling the obstacles that keep employment out of reach for low-income mothers with a child under three years old

helps female veterans reintegrate into the community and become self-sufficient by providing outreach, case management, wellness counseling and assistance with housing, training and employment

The Little Sisters – Big Futures! program recruits, screens and trains mentors to help at-risk girls stay in school, avoid risky behaviors and develop positive attitudes about their futures through one-on-one mentoring relationships

helps girls ages 10 to 16 by fostering self-esteem, financial literacy, knowledge of career opportunities, and improved academic performance

works with women returning from prison to prepare them for meaningful employment through training, job-coaching, transitional employment and retention services

The Young Women’s Leadership and Employment Project prepares and places young women in high-profile and role-model positions as they seek to address social change in the community while gaining career-based skills and meaningful employment

helps formerly incarcerated women overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services to correct RAP (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) sheets and achieve Certificates of Relief and by assisting in the job search, application and interview process

helps reduce repeat teen pregnancies and improve employability of young mothers through home-based case management and counseling, employment preparation activities, subsidized work experiences and job coaching

provides case management, counseling, mentoring and support services to women discharged from Monroe County Jail who are focused on pursuing their educational and vocational goals to become self-sustaining and avoid re-incarceration

Project Independence at Healthy Moms is a job training and placement program customized for each participant that leads directly to employment and increased self-sufficiency by tackling the obstacles that keep employment out of reach for low-income mothers with a child under two years old

helps female veterans reintegrate into the community and become self-sufficient by providing outreach, case management, wellness counseling and assistance with housing, training and employment

Self Sufficiency and Workforce Readiness Programming provides case management services, job coaching, interviewing skills and professional attire to unemployed/low-income women to help them conduct successful job searches and obtain employment

recruits, screens and trains mentors to help at-risk girls stay in school, avoid risky behaviors and develop positive attitudes about their futures through one-on-one mentoring relationships

The Respect & Responsibility for Girls after-school support group helps girls ages 10 to 15 by fostering self-esteem, financial literacy, knowledge of career opportunities, and improved academic performance

prepares and places young women in high-profile and role-model positions as they seek to address social change in the community while gaining career-based skills and meaningful employment

provides job-readiness skills through occupational skills training, credentialing programs and work experience internships

The C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Coach program provides financial literacy training and one-to-one financial coaching to help low-income working women learn how to reduce debt, increase savings and develop improved money management habits

helps ex-offender women overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services and support to correct Record of Arrests and Prosecutions (RAP) sheets and achieve Certificates of Relief and by assisting in the job search, application and interview process

The Job Skills Class prepares refugees for the workforce by teaching American cultural norms, English language skills for the workplace, computer literacy, and assisting with resume writing, mock interviewing, application completion, job search and transportation to interviews

The Teen Age Parent Support Services program helps reduce repeat teen pregnancies and improve employability of young mothers through home-based case management and counseling, employment preparation activities, and subsidized work experiences and job coaching

The Women’s Empowerment Program of Jennifer House provides case management, counseling, mentoring and support services to homeless women discharged from Monroe County Jail who are stable and focused on pursuing their educational and vocational goals to become self-sustaining and avoid re-incarceration

Project Independence at Healthy Moms is a job training and placement program customized for each participant that leads directly to employment and increased self-sufficiency by tackling the obstacles that keep employment out of reach for low-income mothers with a child under two years old

Little Sisters-Big Futures! provides at-risk girls with positive one-on-one mentoring relationships that have a direct and enduring impact on key youth outcomes linked to self-sufficiency. BBBS’ evidence- based approach helps young people build confidence and better relationships, avoid risky behaviors, and achieve greater educational success. This grant is being used to recruit, screen, and train new mentors for girls and young women on their waiting list

Self Development and Dance Program helps at-risk young women build the desire to succeed through after-school dance programs that provide cultural and personal development. The program is now in five locations – Hochstein School, School # 9, Monroe High School, East High School, and Young Women’s College Prep Charter School – and uses dance as the medium to teach self-discipline, teamwork, physical and mental agility, and important life related skills. Girls must maintain a 2.5 GPA to stay in the program. RWGC funding is helping to underwrite the cost of the operations manager, who manages logistics and communications at the different sites and is involved in planning and implementing the agency’s expansion into an additional charter school in 2017.

R & R for Girls serves ten girls in the 5th and 6th grades at School #54 in the Lyell-Otis Neighborhood. The program seeks to increase self-esteem, build financial literacy and improve academic performance through a weekly support group, field trips, and Junior Achievement classes. Five girls who moved on to 7th and 8th grade are participating as mentors and role models.

The C.A.S.H. Coach program provides financial literacy training and one-to-one financial coaching to low-income working women who lack access to mainstream financial products and services. Participants work toward self-defined goals, reduce debt, build their savings, and develop improved money management habits.

Venture-Up, High Impact Grant provides mentoring, tutoring, and coaching for 8 - 12th grade at-risk students, all of whom meet their AAA Standards (Achievement, Attendance, Attitude). The grant funds a Career Navigator who supports the women so they can transition and succeed in their post-secondary education/training plans. Emphasis is on ensuring students are on-grade/on-time, identifying and solving problems, peer support and feedback, and tracking the career path of each student. The Navigator is also involved in identifying employer partners in the community, establishing internships or co-ops so students gain exposure to work environments, and facilitating full time employment opportunities, leading to a position that pays a living wage.

Financial Literacy Project was founded by teachers and volunteers, this after-school initiative helps twenty 6th grade girls at School #35 develop attitudes, values, and behaviors required for a productive, self-sufficient life. The curriculum focuses on life skills such as goal setting, critical thinking, negotiating relationships, and positive affirmation and on practical knowledge about health, safety, finance, and etiquette. The financial literacy component uses an activity-oriented approach to increase the girls’ awareness of the cost of goods and services, the difference between needs and wants, concepts of spending, saving, and budgeting, and employment possibilities.

Project Independence provides customized job training, placement services, job coaching and social support to low-income mothers with a child under two years old. The program is rooted in an extensive body of research on self-efficacy and has an outstanding track record of placing women in living wage jobs. Women enrolled in the program can also receive other services including onsite mental health counseling, case management, and pregnancy education classes, which further decrease barriers and contribute to their employment success and sense of self-efficacy.

Teen Age Parent Support Services program is focused on increasing the self-sufficiency of teenage mothers by reducing repeat pregnancies and improving employability. The organization provides individualized case management, support groups, employment readiness workshops, subsidized work experiences, and evidence-based parenting education.

Jennifer House is a residential facility for women who have been discharged from Monroe County Jail and have committed to stabilizing their lives. The Women’s Empowerment program provides educational/vocational wrap-around support, case management, counseling, and mentoring and helps them take the next step to independent housing and pursuing their educational and vocational goals.

This Expansion Grant is given in collaboration with The Community Foundation to increase the capacity of the organization to provide services to young Latinas, helping them complete high school and go on to college. Borinquen Dance Theatre helps at-risk young women build the desire to succeed through the discipline of dance and after-school programs that provide cultural and personal development. The program is now in four locations – Hochstein School, School # 9, Monroe High School, and East High School – and uses dance as the medium to teach self-discipline, teamwork, physical and mental agility, and important life related skills. Girls must maintain a 2.5 GPA to stay in the program. This grant will fund an Operations Manager to provide necessary systems and support for expanding the program to two Charter Schools by 2016, to identify and obtain funding streams, and to coordinate 15 public performances in 2015-2016.

R & R for Girls serves ten at-risk girls in 5th and 6th grades in School #54 in the Lyell-Otis Neighborhood. The program seeks to increase self-esteem, build financial literacy and improve academic performance through a weekly support group, field trips and Junior Achievement classes. Five girls who moved on to 7th grade will return as mentors and role models.

The Coffee Connection will provide career development services to 15 women in recovery who participate in a paid, on-the-job training program in this socially-conscious business enterprise. The organization will help them create individual career plans, identify training resources appropriate to their career goals, and provide supervised tracking and reporting of their progress.

The C.A.S.H. Coach program provides financial literacy training and one-to-one financial coaching to 30 low-income working women who lack access to mainstream financial products and services. Participants work toward self-defined goals, reduce debt, build their savings and develop improved money management habits.

Venture-Up Grant : this transformational, high-impact grant will provide support for two cohorts of 20 young women each, as they transition from high school to post-secondary training or education which leads to employment and a career paying a self-sufficient wage. Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HWSC) has earned national recognition for helping youth in the Rochester City School District graduate from high school and become college and employment ready. They provide mentoring, tutoring, and coaching for 8 - 12th grade at-risk students, all of whom meet their AAA Standards (Achievement, Attendance, Attitude). In addition, work-readiness skills are provided through their Youth Employment Training Academy (YETA) leading to part-time employment while in school. Of the students involved in YETA, 94% graduate from RCSD in four years. This grant provides for a Career Navigator who will expand and add to this evidence-based model, providing the cohorts with the necessary support and engagement to transition and succeed in their post-secondary education/training plans. Emphasis will be on ensuring students are on grade/on time, one-on-one problem identification and solving, peer support and feedback, and tracking the career paths for every student. The Navigator will identify employer partners in the community and establish internships or co-ops so students gain exposure to work environments and will facilitate full time employment opportunities leading to placement in a position that pays a living wage.

Women's Legal Action Project & Support Services helps 130 ex-offender women, an underfunded population that experiences significant discrimination in the workplace, overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services and support. This includes the review and correction of RAP sheets, educating about legal rights, obtaining certificates of good conduct/relief from judges, and providing legal counsel for job discrimination action.

Teen Age Parent Support Services is focused on increasing the self-sufficiency of teenage mothers by reducing repeat pregnancies and improving employability. The organization provides individualized case management, support groups, employment readiness workshops, subsidized work experiences and evidence-based parenting education. RWGC funds will support staff and expenses for services for 15 additional participants.

Jennifer House is a residential facility for women who have been discharged from Monroe County Jail and have committed to stabilizing their lives. The Women’s Empowerment program provides educational/vocational wrap-around support, case management, counseling and mentoring and will help them take the next step to independent housing and pursuing their educational and vocational goals.

Borinquen Dance Theatre East High School Expansion helps at-risk young women build the desire to succeed through the discipline of dance and after-school programs that provide cultural and personal development. There is a strong emphasis on school opportunities and seeing college as a viable option. This program will expand to East High School, working with twenty-five 9th and 10th grade girls to improve their school performance. Measurable outcomes include participating in workshops and performances, maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or better, and graduating from high school.

Respect and Responsibility for Girls provides year-round, weekly meetings focused on self-esteem, financial literacy, and improved academic performance for 10 at-risk girls in 5th and 6th grades in School 54. They will visit workplaces, learn about career opportunities, complete the Junior Achievement financial literacy materials, and learn social skills. Three women staff members will provide mentoring to the girls, helping to create a cohort of confident, supportive, and responsible girls.

Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works Program provides basic job skills and supportive work experience to high-risk women to improve their work readiness through a nonprofit business that produces, markets and distributes hand-packed bean, soup and rice mixes. Over a 4 – 6 month period, women gain decision-making, interpersonal skills and effective team behaviors. This year, case management support will continue after women leave the program and transition to employment or continued education. Measurable goals include 30 women completing the program with 75% graduating to full time employment or educational programs.

The C.A.S.H. Coach Program provides financial literacy training for low-income working women who lack access to mainstream financial products and services. Individual volunteer financial coaches work with participants for nine months to help them establish financial goals, reduce debt, increase savings, and develop a long-term financial plan. Measurable outcomes include 20 of the 30 participants completing the program with 80% achieving at least one of their self-defined goals, improving their proportion of savings vs. debt, and exhibiting use of new money management skills.

The Women's Legal Action Project provides services to ex-offenders to remove barriers to employment including facilitating review and correction of RAP sheets, educating about legal rights, obtaining certificates of good conduct/relief from judges, and providing legal counsel for job discrimination action. This is an underfunded population that experiences significant discrimination in the workplace. Measurable outcomes include reducing barriers for 85 women with additional legal services provided to decrease employment discrimination for 25 women.

Latina College Recruitment, .The Latina College Recruitment Initiative will increase student enrollment of Latina students, a group that is significantly underrepresented in the MCC student body, and increase their awareness of higher-wage, middle-skill jobs in the community. A bilingual admissions advisor, working with the RCSD and Latino organizations, will conduct recruitment events, provide assistance through the application and financial aid processes, and host campus visits for potential students and families. The goal is to enroll 82 Latina students for Fall, 2015

Financial Counseling serves victims of domestic violence primarily from the suburbs, women who are often not eligible for public services. The Financial Counseling Program provides financial training for 25 women over three to six months. A financial counselor works with clients to develop and manage a budget, restore and maintain good credit, and set appropriate financial goals. A qualified volunteer mentor works with each participant as they continue on their path to financial independence.

Sisters Together Achieving Results goal is to optimize the high school graduation rate and college admission for 20 young, at-risk African American women with bi-weekly group meetings, mentoring, community service activities and preparation for the annual cotillion. Outcomes include academic success, avoidance of gang activity, avoidance of pregnancy, and continuing education, employment or military service after high school graduation. In their 10-year history, 87% of girls in the program have pursued higher education

Teen Age Parents Support Services (TAPSS) combines individual case management and counseling for pregnant and/or parenting young women ages 14 - 21, focusing on job/employment readiness training, educational advocacy, job mentoring, subsidized work experiences, job coaching, and parenting education. Measurable outcomes include participants identifying and making progress towards self-sufficiency goals and avoiding repeat pregnancy. RWGC funds will support staff and expenses for services for 15 additional participants.

Jennifer House works with women discharged from the Monroe County Jail, giving them a safe, highly structured living environment while providing intensive case management support. The women commit to stabilizing their lives, set goals to obtain employment or education, as well as finding independent housing. The Women’s Empowerment Program will provide ongoing case management support to 50 women who are moving from Jennifer House to the next level of independence, helping them manage difficulties in the transition so they do not relapse.

The Women on the Move Program helps 12-15 low income, working women improve their economic and personal self-sufficiency through an intense 9-month program of education, individual and group coaching, and weekly group support. The program includes weekly workshops (budgeting, credit management, interview skills, legal issues, housing, domestic violence, job readiness, parenting, self-presentation), community/cultural activities, and participation in the Center’s Self Esteem Program. The goal is to improve participants’ employment or educational situation.

Women Helping Girls: Envision - Experience Program is a mentoring program for high-risk girls. Mentoring begins in 7th grade and focuses on encouraging girls to make positive choices, finish high school and continue their education or enter the workforce. Envision-Experience includes monthly programs that foster team building, healthy relationships and leadership training. The program reaches 60 girls per year, with 15 new girls added each year. Measurable outcomes include retaining 85% of participants, 95% progressing in school, 90% graduating with 85% pursuing further education. RWGC funds support staff salaries and programming expenses.

Borinquen Dance Theatre helps at-risk young people build the desire to succeed through the discipline of dance and after school programs that provide cultural and personal development opportunities. Measurable outcomes include participating in sessions and performances, maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or better and graduating from high school. RWGC funds will support the expansion of the program to Monroe High School for 25 girls.

Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works Program provides basic job skills and supportive work experience to high-risk women to improve their work readiness through a nonprofit business which produces, markets and distributes hand-packed bean, soup and rice mixes. A new partnership with Rochester Works has broadened Healthy Sisters client base. Measurable goals include 30 women completing the program with 75% graduating to full time employment or educational programs, increasing sales and improving marketing. The ultimate goal is for the program to be self-sustaining. RWGC funds support staffing the program.

The C.A.S.H. Coach Program provides financial literacy training for low income working women. Group sessions are enhanced by individual volunteer financial coaching for nine months to help participants achieve their self-defined goals. Measurable outcomes include 20 of the 30 participants completing the program with 80% achieving at least one of their self-defined goals, improving their proportion of savings vs. debt and exhibiting use of new money management skills. RWGC funds will support staff salaries and program expenses.

The Women's Legal Action Project provides services to ex-offenders to remove barriers to employment including facilitating review/change in RAP sheets, educating about legal rights, assisting with obtaining certificates of good conduct/relief from judges, and providing legal counsel for job discrimination action. Clients participate in a support group and are referred for other needed services. Measurable outcomes include reducing barriers for 85 women with additional legal services for decreased employment discrimination for 10 women. RWGC funds staff and program expenses.

Sisters Together Achieving Results goal is to optimize the high school graduation rate and college admission for young, at-risk African American women in the Rochester City School District through mentoring and prevention strategies. STAR works with 16 high school age girls with bi-weekly group meetings, mentoring, community service activities and preparation for the annual cotillion. Measurable outcomes include academic success, avoidance of gang activity, avoidance of pregnancy, and continuing education, employment or military service after high school graduation. In their 10-year history, 87% of girls in the program pursued higher education and only one became pregnant.

Survivor Transition Program/Financial Counseling serves victims of domestic violence primarily from the suburbs; women who are often not eligible for public services. The Financial Counseling Program provides financial training for 25 women over three to six months. A financial counselor works with clients to develop and manage a budget, restore and maintain good credit, and set appropriate financial goals. A qualified volunteer mentor works with each participant as they continue on their path to financial independence. RWGC funds staff and program expenses.

Henrietta Hammond Institute for Life Skills (HHILS) is a key component of Sojourner House’s Transitional Housing Program, providing comprehensive, formal education on topics such as money management, job readiness, parenting, cooking and nutrition and home maintenance. 65% of 50 – 60 residents will complete the course. Measurable outcomes include demonstrating greater knowledge of life skills, setting clear goals and obtaining permanent housing. RWGC will fund staff and program costs.

The Women on the Move Program helps 12-15 women improve their economic and personal self-sufficiency through an intense 9-month program of education, individual and group coaching, and weekly group support. The women are heads of household, have a high-school diploma or GED, are employed at one or more jobs paying below living wage, or are in school. The program includes weekly workshops (budgeting, credit management, interview skills, legal issues, housing, domestic violence, job readiness, parenting, self-presentation), community/cultural activities, and participation in the Center’s Self Esteem Program. Measurable outcomes include participation, pre and post testing and improvement in the participants’ employment or educational situation. RWGC funds support program staff.

TAPSS combines individual case management and counseling for pregnant and/or parenting young women ages 14 - 21, focusing on job/employment readiness training, educational advocacy, job mentoring, subsidized work experiences, job coaching, and parenting education. Measurable outcomes include participants identifying and making progress towards self-sufficiency goals and avoiding repeat pregnancy. RWGC funds will support staff and expenses for services for 15 additional participants.

The School Age Parents Program helps young mothers stay in school and become more self-sufficient. The College Readiness Program will provide dedicated case manager support for 75 pregnant and parenting young mothers focusing on preparing for high school graduation, college entrance, vocational training or employment. It includes support for 10 mothers on site at MCC. Measurable outcomes include high school graduation rates, enrollment in and completion of post-secondary education. RWGC funds will support staff and program expenses

Borinquen Dance Theater has a long history of successfully using the arts to reach at risk youth, mostly Hispanic, from the city. They provide dance classes three days a week year round for youth from 13-20 and once a week for girls 8 - 12. Classes focus on Caribbean dance and culture. In addition there are development sessions for the teens which include finance, college and career guidance, wellness, public speaking and etiquette. Members are required to attend classes and maintain at least a 2.5 average in school. Older members serve as peer teachers and senior dance mentors and are paid for their efforts. There is a strong emphasis on school performance and considering college opportunities. Measurable goals include completing high school and continuing further education.

C.A.S.H Program provides financial literacy training and coaching for 30 low-income working women in Monroe County. As low-income families lack access to mainstream financial products and services, the program gives the women the information they need and the ability to put their new knowledge into behavior-changing action. C.A.S.H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) provides teaching and counsel on budget development, savings to debt ratio improvement and credit report review. The women set their. own goals, change day-to-day financial habits, and take financial behaviors tests. Eighty percent are expected to complete at least one goal. Grant funds are used to cover the cost of providing professional training and support for volunteer coaches for one-on-one financial coaching.

Women's Legal Action Project and Support Services works with ex-offender women who have stabilized their lives. It helps them overcome barriers to employment by offering legal services and mentoring support. Legal services include reviewing their RAP sheets, increasing their knowledge of their criminal record, assisting in getting certificates of relief and decreasing employment discrimination. They anticipate that of the 85 women they help with RAP sheet review and correction, 30 will be ready for assistance with Certificates of Relief and 10 will need assistance with employment discrimination. This grassroots project provides services not otherwise available to women to overcome barriers to entering the workforce. Grant funds are primarily for salaries for project staff.

Computer Literacy Project is a program which helps women entering or re-entering the workforce after a period of providing unpaid caregiving to family members. Many of the women have no current job skills, including little or no computer proficiency. WITS offers job assessment and preparation workshops and individual support. The Computer Literacy Project provides training in computer skills needed to find and maintain a job and gain self-sufficiency. Grant money is for the computer training for 25 clients with the goal of 24 completing the training and getting job interviews and 12 being employed 9 months after completing training. Grant money goes to the computer training.

Determined Divas program offers a positive, consistent, safe alternative to gang membership for high risk girls from 13-19 years with a bi-weekly meeting, enrichment activities, volunteer work, mentoring and tutoring, and emergency supports. It uses a Positive Youth Development Model which has proven successful for over 2 years. Short term outcome goals include increase in GPA, school attendance, and

Safe Journey (a program of Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton) serves victims of Domestic Violence, primarily from the suburbs of Monroe County. Many of these women come from middle class families, are not eligible for public services, and are financially dependent on their abuser. Safe Journey offers a Survivor Transition Program (offering counseling and support groups for victims) and a Survivor Resettlement Program (assisting victims in securing safe housing and becoming financially independent). In the Financial Counseling Services Program, of 50 women referred, it is expected that 25 women will work with the financial counselor on their chosen goals such as developing and managing a budget, restoring and maintaining good credit, and setting appropriate financial goals. Long-term outcome is that 70% will complete their goals including financial independence. Grant funds will be used for salaries of professional staff.

Teen Age Parents Support Services (TAPSS) combines individual case management and counseling with focus on self-sufficiency, including job/employment readiness training, educational advocacy, job mentoring, subsidized work experiences, job coaching, and parenting education for young mothers age 14 - 21. Without supportive interventions this population often remains living in poverty. Funding changes in recent years have reduced the opportunities for non-mandated clients to benefit from this program and generated a waiting list. Our grant will allow them to serve at least 15 more young women and their families. Outcomes include pursuing education and/or employment goals and avoiding repeat pregnancy. Grant funds will be used primarily for staff salaries and program support.

Henrietta Hammond Institute for Life Skills (HHILS) at Sojourner House serves women and their children who have experienced homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, family/child separation, and/or mental illness. HHILS is a key component of Sojourner House's Transitional Housing Program, providing comprehensive, formal education on topics such as money management, job readiness, parenting, cooking/nutrition, home maintenance, and getting organized. To receive the Life Skills Certificate of Achievement, women must complete 8 3-credit core courses and 2 elective classes (computer basics, body works, women's talk, quilting, esteem-building). Outcomes include: 65% of women at Sojourner will graduate the HHILS program, 75% of them will make progress with child custody issues, 75% will demonstrate increased life skills, 100% will have plans to transition to the community, and 95% will move to permanent housing. Grant funds will be used for salaries to staff the HHILS.

Women on the Move Program is designed to help women improve economic and personal self- sufficiency through individual coaching and weekly group support. The women in the program have a high school diploma (or equivalent), are the financial head of household, and are employed at one or more jobs paying below living wage. The program includes weekly workshops (topics include budgeting, credit management, interview skills) and community activities over a period of 9 months. The goal is to serve 12 -15 women. The specific tracking program for this group of women is under development in partnership with St John Fisher School of Nursing. In the past 5 years, 41 of 78 participants have completed the program and experienced increased employment and wages, housing stability, and additional education. Many stay involved with the Center as volunteers. Grant money will be used for program staff.

Women Helping Girls is a mentoring program that pairs professional and retired professional women with at-risk girls with potential for success from the Rochester City School District to encourage them to make positive life choices, broaden their horizons, complete high school and seek further education or enter the workforce. The grant supports “Invest in Girls,” a series of life-skill focused group activities to help girls succeed in school, graduate, and go on to further education. The grant funds support programming and college preparation.

The Coffee Connection program provides paid, on-the-job training for 15 women in drug/alcohol recovery and on welfare. Within the context of a coffee business, the women learn retail sales skills, customer service, inventory management, personal management, and communications skills. Counseling services include personal skills development, job coaching, substance abuse counseling, guidance to educational opportunities, budget and financial education, and Medicaid education. The grant supplies stipends for trainees.

Healthy Sister Soup & Bean Works work-readiness program provides intensive employment training, on-the-job work experience and support services to women in substance abuse recovery helping them towards dignity and self-sufficiency. The program’s goal is self-sufficiency as a business and is currently working with Complemar, a Rochester based woman-owned fulfillment company that helps them reduce costs and increase distribution. The grant funds support the expansion and re-tooling of the program.

Teen Empowerment (TE) helps youth and adults become agents of individual, social, and institutional change. Through TE focus groups thousands of Rochester teens have identified issues such as teen pregnancy, dysfunction, and “violent drama” in relationships between young men and women as barriers to their advancement. The Female-Male Dialogue Series is designed to help the community of youth in the SW quadrant of Rochester break beyond surface issues to address root causes that get them stuck in destructive attitudes. Opening these avenues to healthier communication will help put young women on the path of economic independence through understanding, empowerment, and self-esteem for improved relationships that support their growth and advancement. The grant funds support the program.

The C.A.S.H. Program (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) provides financial literacy training and coaching for low-income working women in Monroe County. C.A.S.H. provides teaching and counseling on budget development, savings-to-debt ratio improvements, and credit report review, with the goal of providing the information and skills to put this knowledge into behavior changing action. The women set their own goals, change day-to-day financial habits, and take financial behavior tests. The grant funds the training of volunteer coaches for 1:1 financial coaching for 30 women over a 9-month period.

Successful Futures (SF) is sponsored by the Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC) and supports 50 at-risk pregnant and/or parenting teens (ages 14 -21) through employment, education, and community services components. Coordinating with the City of Rochester, SF provides a school-based program including weekly groups, individual support, supported work assignments, transportation, and childcare. The goals are to reduce repeat pregnancies and reduce the rate of young girl pregnancies (13-15 years). The girls set their own goals with 15-20% going on to higher education, and 80-85% getting and holding jobs. Grant funds are used to pay for “wrap-around” services for out of school women, childcare, transportation, and to pay for day trips to colleges and trade schools.

Survivor Resettlement Program serves victims of domestic violence primarily from middle-class Monroe County suburbs, most of whom are ineligible for public service. The program assists victims in securing safe housing and becoming financially independent. The grant supports financial training, offering group and individual financial counseling for three to six months to 30 women. A financial counselor works with clients to develop and manage a budget, restore and maintain good credit, and set appropriate financial goals. A qualified volunteer mentor is assigned to work with them as they continue on the path to financial independence.

Henrietta Hammond Institute for Life Skills (HHILS) offers 50 to 60 women living at Sojourner House skills training that addresses employability, money management, responsible parenting, healthy practices, and positive peer relationships. To receive the Certificate of Achievement, women must complete eight 3-credit courses (parent education, money management, getting organized, cooking/nutrition, healthy relationships, job readiness, home maintenance) and 2 elective classes (computer basics, body works, women’s talk, quilting, esteem-building). Since 1982 more than 2000 women and their children have achieved more stability through this program. The grant funds salaries to staff the HHILS.

Women on the Move (WOTM) assists female heads of household toward economic self-sufficiency through an intense 9-month program of group and individual counseling and support. Fifteen women with a previous relationship with St. Joseph’s who are GED-prepared receive training and/or counseling on employment skills, further education, housing, financial management, transportation, and security with both professional and peer support. WOTM has run for 4 years with a 62% success rate of clients completing the program and showing an increase in movement to employment, increased wages, part-time to full-time jobs, increase in education pursuits, and housing stability. This year’s goal is for 75% to make significant gains towards economic self-sufficiency. The grant funds support salaries.

Math Matters Program outreach program of the Third Presbyterian Church provides intense math intervention to increase the math competency of 3rd and 4th grade girls and improve their future outcomes in math skills and financial literacy. This year, five 8th grade girls will also receive continued tutoring and support. Tutors at School 35 provide group tutoring in math skills and financial literacy to these young girls and work collaboratively with teachers and the school math specialist. It utilizes a “club” model with incentives, motivators, and activities to accommodate different learning styles. The program is based on a business model with community investment, performance incentives, and clear outcome measures.

Women Helping Girls is a mentoring program that pairs professionals and retired professional women with at-risk girls in the Rochester City School District encouraging them to make positive life-style choices, broaden their horizons, complete high school, and seek further education or enter the work force. The grant supports “Girls Taking Charge!”, a monthly series of programs for the girls and their mentors on healthy relationships, decision-making, personal safety, and developing goal-directed behaviors.

The Women’s Opportunity for Work program provides paid, on-the-job training for eight to twelve women in drug/alcohol recovery and on welfare. Within the context of a coffee business, the women learn retail sales skills, customer service, inventory management, and personal management/communications skills. Counseling services include personal skills development, job coaching, substance abuse counseling, guidance to educational opportunities, budget and financial education, and Medicaid education. The grant supplies stipends for trainees.