DVHT Grantee Empower 225 Serves Youth in Baton Rouge Through Leadership Academy
Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking (DVHT) grantee Empower 225 operates out of the 70805 zip code area in Baton Rouge, one that has high crime and poverty rates. They serve youth ages 13 to 26, including those in foster care, particularly those aging out; at-risk and homeless youth; and youth who have experienced trafficking in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. Empower 225 provides educational support, life-skills training, career preparedness, housing, and mentorship to help participants achieve their highest potential and live self-sufficiently.
Incorporated in September 2010, Empower 225 has grown from a two-person staff to 35 employees in 2019. As the organization grew, the staff developed the Leadership Academy, using a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure that each client had access to every applicable service and resource available to them.
Enrollment in the Leadership Academy is optional. Following a needs assessment with the client, the program includes a plan of support and resources related to their life skills, education, employment, and housing needs and goals. The Empower 225 team provides case management and the client works toward a defined list of goals. The client receives incentives and awards upon completion of each of their goals.
The Leadership Academy pilot program began in January 2019 and concluded in May 2019. Of 30 youth enrolled, 28 proceeded to the next grade level in school — a significant improvement from the previous year, when only 10 youth had moved forward.
At the start of the new school year in August 2019, Empower 225 implemented a major recruiting effort to enroll youth in the Leadership Academy. To date, 67 youth are enrolled. This increase means that more youth are focusing on their educational goals, receiving applicable assistance with employment and housing, building life skills, and connecting with mentors.
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