Girls Educational & Mentoring Services

A survivor-led organization in operation for more than 19 years, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State, and one of the few organizations in the nation, specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking (CSE). GEMS was founded in 1998 by Rachel Lloyd in response to an overwhelming need for services for girls and young women at risk for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking who were being ignored by traditional social service agencies. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change, and has helped hundreds of girls and young women become free from commercial sexual exploitation. GEMS’ mission is to empower girls and young women, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. GEMS is committed to ending the commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of children by changing individual lives, transforming public perception, and revolutionizing the systems and policies that impact sexually exploited youth.