Executive Summary
- Congressman Joe Morelle announced $477,000 in federal funding for a Rochester non-profit.
- Funds will support Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, which aids human trafficking survivors.
- The program provides therapeutic cosmetology training and job placement support.
- Executive Director Julie Chapus emphasized the link between basic needs and workforce productivity.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Congressman Joe Morelle has announced the allocation of $477,000 in federal funding to Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, a Rochester-based initiative dedicated to assisting survivors of human trafficking.
According to the official announcement, the federal grant is designed to bolster the organization’s capacity to provide therapeutic cosmetology training and essential support services. The program’s primary objective is to offer survivors a permanent pathway out of trafficking by equipping them with marketable professional skills and stability.
Julie Chapus, the executive director of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, highlighted the critical nature of the funding in meeting the holistic needs of survivors. "If we meet those basic necessities, we can then think about job skills training, and then all of a sudden, you have a wonderful workforce where people can enter into the community, and they can be productive members of society," Chapus stated.
The announcement also served as a reminder for public awareness, noting that the National Human Trafficking Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at (888) 373-7888 for those who may be victims or know someone at risk.
Social Rehabilitation Impact
The direction of federal funds toward specialized vocational training for trafficking survivors reflects a broader strategy to reduce recidivism and economic dependence among vulnerable populations. By integrating therapeutic care with workforce development, programs like this aim to dismantle the systemic barriers that often prevent survivors from achieving long-term independence. This funding highlights the evolving role of localized non-profits in executing federal public safety and social welfare mandates.
