youthSpark was founded in 2000 as the Juvenile Justice Fund, an independent nonprofit organization with a focus on providing real solutions for vulnerable children and families involved with the courts. Over time, we ve expanded our work to include policy advocacy and research to lead change in the community. We also provide comprehensive wraparound services to address trauma and vulnerabilities for girls, boys, and LGBTQ+ youth in our Center. Today, we serve 150+ youth annually, ages 12 and over, with complex cases and needs, with one mission in mind: to spark a bright future.
The youthSpark journey began as the Juvenile Justice Fund in the early 2000s when young girls repeatedly appeared before former Juvenile Court Judge Nina Hickson on prostitution charges and were treated like criminals. She and founding Executive Director Deborah Richardson, alongside other community leaders, sparked Georgia s first response to child sex trafficking, leading to community outcry and legislative changes.
We opened and operated the first safe house in the Southeast region of the United States – Angela s House – for girls ages 11-17 who were in need of critical services and a safe haven from the adults who exploited them. In 2010, youthSpark transitioned Angela s House to the full management of Youth Villages.
Programs
- Voices
- Expressions
- Connections
youth-spark.org
