RFK Community Alliance is proud to announce that we have been selected as one of five organizations across the state of Massachusetts that will be receiving a $200,000 one-time award from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in support of our Legacy Mentoring program, which helps young people who are experiencing -or are at-risk of experiencing- sexual trafficking in Western, MA (specifically Hampden and Berkshire Counties).

In addition to working with youth with an identified need, we will also continue to provide outreach into the community to raise public awareness and connect with populations that are especially high-risk. Each of our trained mentors has lived experience, making them uniquely qualified to connect, mentor, and advocate for the young people in the program.

We see firsthand that providing survivors with a safe, welcoming space, trusting relationships, and supporting and guiding positive decision making has a lasting, positive impact on a survivor’s life, promotes recovery, and prevents further incidents of sexual exploitation and trauma. Our programming is trauma informed and responsive to support the physical, social, and emotional impact of surviving trafficking.

Legacy Mentoring served 50 young adults last year. With this funding, we will be able to grow our mentor team and expand our impact in coming years. We expect to be able to serve more youth, as well as provide more community outreach and education.

To learn more about our Legacy Mentoring program, visit https://www.rfkcommunity.org/our-services/legacy-mentoring.

For more information on the awards from the Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-1-million-to-five-organizations-to-address-human-trafficking

(Pictured: The Legacy Mentoring team)