2017 State Attorney’s Denise Moon Memorial Fund Grant Recipients

Photo courtesy of Lotus House, 2017 State Attorney's Denise Moon Memorial Fund grant recipient.

Denise Moon grants allow us to help nonprofits assist victims of crime, reduce crime in communities and provide alternatives to criminal activity through job training, educational attainment and other efforts. These grant awards are made possible thanks to a partnership with the Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney, 11th Judicial Circuit.

Americans for Immigrant Justice – $50,000

AI Justice’s award-winning Lucha Program will assist 50 immigrant victims of human trafficking, sexual assault or domestic violence. Once they apply to legalize their status, they can get a work permit, Social Security card and driver’s license, tools they need to become independent and self-sustaining members of the community.

Circle of Brotherhood – $40,000

Every juvenile offender arrested and re-entering a Together For Children identified  zip code  will participate in our 4 week mental toughness and youth development course; for community reentry and personal transformation. Participants will  attend training modules prior to release and after release; therefore reducing recidivism drastically.

Cuban American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Project, Inc. – $50,000

The Program is designed to assist and empower each individual human trafficking victim to distance themselves from the perpetrator(s), and also to provide survivors with free legal civil representation & guidance in all areas of the law in order for victims to become productive and contributing members of our community.

Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc. – $40,000

FANM’s YDLP community crime/violence prevention includes positive youth skill building, through mentoring, conflict resolution, and community service, which works to prevent /reduce juvenile delinquency/serious juvenile violence, especially when coordinated with broader community-wide efforts

Girl Power Rocks – $37,104

Girl Power is proposing an extension of it’s already established after school Girls Post detention/intervention program, which reduces the risk of young girls involvement in crime or violence by providing them the support and opportunities they need to redirect, empower and prepare them to succeed in school and life.

Greater Miami Service Corps – $40,000

Corps-to-Career will engage youth and young adults in evidence-based services that integrate education, occupational training, and work experience to improve education outcomes and build job skills; thereby reducing the risk of young involvement in negative behaviors.

Ladies Empowerment and Action Program, Inc. (LEAP) – $50,000

Just as LEAP provides second chances to women getting out of prison, Second Chances Social Enterprise (SCSE) will give donated items a second chance as they are offered for sale online and in-store. SCSE will provide jobs and training to LEAP graduates on a rotating basis, profits will support LEAP’s core programming, while raising awareness of the value of rehabilitation.

Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc. – $40,000

Miami Bridge proposes addressing youth victimization by providing shelter and community based program to at-risk youth. Individual, family, and group counseling is provided by trauma-focused certified professionals. Professional development on prevention, intervention and treatment is scheduled at quarterly training and at a community symposium.

Miami Children’s Initiative – $40,000

MCI’s Liberty City Advocates (LCA) program is a community safety initiative within the MCI impact zone that drastically reduces crime and increases resident’s use of available resources and services. The LCA program focuses on a physical presence on targeted blocks to prevent and reduce crime as well as activities that promote community-building.

MUJER, Inc. – $50,000

The One Stop Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center provides comprehensive services to all victims of abuse, regardless of age or gender in south MD County. It is the only certified 24/7 sexual assault program serving victims from south of Kendall Drive to Monroe County line. Intake/Assessment (250) and therapy services (50) will be provided.

RJT Foundation, Inc. – $5,875

The RJT Foundation Program will target Victim Assistance, and help individuals and families overcome the personal, emotional and other challenges they face as a result of being victims of crime. RJT promotes taking a stand against violence and bullying through volunteerism, safety awareness, and by empowering families to reduce violence and crime.

Sundari Foundation, Inc. – $50,000

Assessment, shelter in a shared community, meals, clothing, help accessing benefits and wrap around supportive services are provided. To address the impacts of being victims of past or current victims of crimes, emphasis is on evidence based/informed trauma focused counseling and parenting skills to break the cycle of homelessness and violence.

Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc. – $40,000

TGHI’s Parent/Youth Job Training and Crime Deterrence Program provides job skills training, lifeskills/social skill development focusing on reducing and stopping poverty, crime and violence. The model utilizes culinary & lifeskill training, as well as incentive based behavior to provide at-risk parents & youth, vocational completion certificates.

Transition, Inc. – $50,000

To begin a Mentoring Program to recruit, train, and support volunteer “life coaches” who are matched with former prisoners to encourage them in making decisions that will improve their lives and reduce their rate of recidivism.

Victim Response, Inc. – The Lodge – $50,000

To provide continued direct relief emergency funds to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other victims of crime and their family members, and to enhance victim assistance in the VRI transitional housing program.

VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc. – $50,000

VIDA Miami will provide free quality legal representation in immigration matters to immigrant survivors of dv, sexual assault, & human trafficking using a victim-centered trauma-informed model. This project will strengthen survivors’ ability to support themselves & their families, help them access other services & lead a life free of abuse.

Voices for Children Foundation, Inc. – $50,000

Dependent human trafficking victims will achieve the emotional stability needed to heal & thrive through caring support & legal advocacy towards ongoing acceptance & use of vital services: specialized therapeutic foster homes; therapy for PTSD; chosen school/vocational engagement; &, if in victims’ best interest, help prosecuting traffickers to prevent future human trafficking.

Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program – $40,000

Our crime prevention module will help our most vulnerable adolescents avoid violence & make smart choices, with initial focus in high crime area schools. Partnering with local law enforcement, this module will provide crime prevention education and guidelines for staying safe, while fostering a positive relationship with law enforcement.