Rubies 2024 Impact Statement

In 2024, Rubies made extraordinary strides in our mission to empower youth and combat domestic sex trafficking through prevention, education, and restoration. This year, we reached new heights, positively impacting the lives of young people and expanding our ability to serve communities in need.

Expanding Our Reach
Our growth this year was fueled by the generous support of the Woodson Center, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, We Energies Foundation, and an anonymous matching gift. These investments allowed us to secure a three-year lease at the YWCA, purchase a transportation vehicle, and reach a more diverse population in Greenfield and South Milwaukee. This enhanced accessibility has allowed us to connect with more young people and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

 Transforming Lives
Through our programs, Rubies directly served 53 youth this year, offering social-emotional learning, life skills training, intervention and awareness workshops, as well as essential support such as meals, hygiene products, educational excursions, and outings. These efforts have not only supported vulnerable youth but also fostered resilience and hope for a brighter future.

Building Strong Partnerships
We are proud to announce a significant new partnership with Children's of Wisconsin, which strengthens our ability to provide trauma-informed care and critical resources for the youth we serve.

Celebrating Success and Growth
We hired two lived-experience individuals whose unique insights and expertise bring unmatched value to our team and programming. Their contributions have further enriched our ability to connect with and support vulnerable youth.

We also celebrated the success of two remarkable youth who were accepted into college, marking a significant milestone in their journeys toward a brighter future. Their achievements highlight the transformative impact of encouragement, resources, and a supportive community.

Community Engagement
Our Adopt-A-Block Campaign continued to be a cornerstone of community education and engagement. By bringing awareness and prevention education to neighborhoods from Milwaukee to Grafton, Cedarburg, and Mequon, we empowered families, educators, and community members with the tools to recognize and prevent commercial sexual exploitation. The campaign’s resounding success included high community turnout, volunteers joining our mission, and calls to bring this critical information to schools and libraries. We educated over 120 community members through our Adopt-A-Block Campaign and provided essential resources such as hygiene kits and meals to 35-50 families.

Securing Major Investments
This year, Rubies secured substantial grants from Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, We Energies Foundation, and The Woodson Center. These critical investments have enhanced our capacity to deliver impactful programming and expand our reach to underserved communities.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, sponsors, and volunteers, whose unwavering support fuels our mission. Your generosity truly transforms lives.

Personal Testimonials
Age 17 “Rubies gave me the confidence to believe in myself. I never thought college was an option for me, but now I’m living my dream.” Ciara

Age 15 “Before I came to Rubies I struggled socially making friends, not only have I made friends but I have gained sisters.” Nyiah

Looking Ahead
We plan to expand our services to empowering young men aged 11-16 to embody integrity, excellence, and mentorship through the Young G.E.M.’s (Gentlemen of Excellence Mentorship Club), provide advanced trauma-informed care training for staff, and launch initiatives to support more youth transitioning into higher education and employment.

With your support, Rubies continues to grow and evolve, creating a stronger foundation for our mission. Your contributions have made this work possible, and we invite you to join us in 2025 as we expand our reach, develop new programs, and create even greater opportunities for youth to thrive.

Together, we are building a safer, stronger, and more compassionate community. Thank you for believing in our vision and for making a lasting impact in the lives of the youth we serve.