Who We Are
April Bentley, a Lived Experience Expert, Certified and trained though the Department of Justice, has worked as an advocate and community leader behind the scenes for the last 17 years. She is genuinely passionate when it comes to reaching the heart and mind of our youth, educating, and pushing them to become forward thinkers today, producing a purpose-filled life for tomorrow. Ms. April, a victim of child sex trafficking and a Milwaukee native learned the twisted art of the streets at the early age of 14, has dedicated her life to making a positive change in our community.
In 2016 April Bentley launched Rubies, a non-profit organization focused on intervention, awareness and prevention of sex trafficking while shaping character through culture.
Rubies develop independent, critical thinking, empowered individuals, with the confidence to educate others in their sphere of influence. Our primary focus is to educate youth on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) also known as sex trafficking. Rubies, believe teaching cannot separate education of the mind from the character and at Rubies youth learn to identify and utilize healthy support systems that may decrease their vulnerabilities. We provide adequate training for real-world issues. Through Rubies Changed Lives, change lives Intervention, Awareness and Prevention Curriculum we provide youth with information and skills in a manner that inspires them to make safe choices.
RUBIES Girls
are Amazing!
These young ladies gather together to learn about sex trafficking for themselves and their community. They learn so much about themselves in the process that they become change agents in the community.
We believe:
“It’s not what you are taught; it’s what you learn that makes the difference” April Bentley
Character Shaping
We believe that on an individual level, our character determines our path. We strive for dignity. As our individual character takes shape, we believe that our culture will begin to change at a fundamental level.
Culture Change
We believe in a large scale holistic culture change, because trafficking and exploitation are embedded in our communities. In order to eradicate commercial sexual exploitation of our children (CSEC) , RUBIES specifically focus on advocating for a culture that empowers our youth through lived experience leadership and dismantling a sex sells society.