youthSpark

youthSpark was founded in 2000 as the Juvenile Justice Fund, an independent nonprofit organization with a focus on providing real solutions for vulnerable children and families involved with the courts. Over time, we ve expanded our work to include policy advocacy and research to lead change in the community. We also provide comprehensive wraparound services to address trauma and vulnerabilities for girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ youth in our Center. Today, we serve 150+ youth annually, ages 12 and over, with complex cases and needs, with one mission in mind: to spark a bright future. The youthSpark journey began as the Juvenile Justice Fund in the early 2000s when young girls repeatedly appeared before former Juvenile Court Judge Nina Hickson on prostitution charges and were treated like criminals. ‍ She and founding Executive Director Deborah Richardson, alongside other community leaders, sparked Georgia s first response to child sex trafficking, leading to community outcry and legislative changes. We opened and operated the first safe house in the Southeast region of the United States – Angela s House – for girls ages 11-17 who were in need of critical services and a safe haven from the adults who exploited them. In 2010, youthSpark transitioned Angela s House to the full management of Youth Villages.

• Jennifer SwainExecutive Director
• Septima RileyClinical Director
• Catharine B. KucharGrants Officer
• Renee Shelby, PhDResearch Director

• VoicesyouthSpark's hallmark program, Voices, is designed for girls who have experienced or are highly vulnerable for sexual exploitation with ways to empower themselves, cope with trauma, and enhance…
• ExpressionsSupporting vulnerable LGBTQ youth, Expressions works to make sure that LGBTQ+ youth can challenge internalized negative messages, handle stress, build a community of support, and embrace their true…
• ConnectionsConnections works to equip youth experiencing in-home or community violence with ways to ease, express, and to solve conflict and feelings of anger resulting in personal stabilization.
• Dream ClosetLocated in the Youth Services Center, our Dream Closet is open to our youth at any time and offers necessities like clothes, shoes, food, toiletries, gift cards, and more that they are welcome to…
• Empowerment and enrichment activitiesWe help teens become better equipped for success through skills-based learning opportunities, resume and employment support, and entrepreneurial events.
• School supportUniforms, school supplies, and MARTA cards are also accessible through the youth Services Center to ensure that youth remain in school.

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Based in

Mechanicsville

EIN

58-2556130

Staff

4

Website

youth-spark.org