Explore AFG

Outreach

“AFG is like a second home to me.”
Nasreen, Outreach participant

On December 24th, 1988 (Christmas Eve), AFG conducted its first street outreach shift on the streets of Detroit. A single van was dispatched to those areas of the city where girls and young women gathered and engaged in high-risk activities, such as substance abuse and street-based prostitution.

Staff and volunteers reached out to them, offering information, food, a harm-reduction kit, a ride to AFG or other safe place, or simply a kind word. Over the years, and with the help of volunteers, Outreach was expanded on the streets, to include multiple vans and shifts, and reaching out to the broader community, providing workshops and information about how young and adult women can reduce the risks and danger in their lives. Further, strong programs were developed on site at AFG; these programs were implemented and grown, and, today, continue to educate participants about positive choices and help them change their lives.

Safe Choices Project

  • Intervenes to reduce high-risk activity
  • Educates on safe alternatives to life-threatening behaviors
  • Enhances employability
  • Ensures access to resources and opportunities

Peer Educators

Peer Educators are a unique resource for Alternatives For Girls. Young people, whose personal experiences mirror many of those that other participants bring to AFG, connect with teens on the streets and in community settings. Teams of Peer Educators facilitate workshops at dozens of Metro- Detroit sites on topics such as HIV/ STI prevention, anger management, self-esteem building, healthy relationships, consequences of alcohol and drug use, and more.

Learn More about Peer Educators >

For more information about Outreach Programs, please contact:

Deena Policicchio
Director, Outreach
Phone: (313) 361-4000
E-mail: dpolicicchio@alternativesforgirls.org

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Fast Facts

In the last fiscal year, AFG Outreach:

  • Served 4,595 girls and young women on the streets
  • Conducted 1,604 risk assessments
  • Enabled 80% of the women actively participating in New Choices and utilizing case planning services obtain legitimate and safe housing.

Supporters

  • McGregor Fund
  • The Skillman Foundation
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • State of Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS)
  • National AIDS Fund
  • MAC AIDS Fund
  • U.S. Department of Justice