YOUNGSTOWN — The Amina’s Alternatives for Girls program provides a place for homeless or pregnant women, who have faced challenges or obstacles, to get back on their feet for meaningful careers and productive lives.

Jiquala Rushton, president / director of Amina’s Alternatives for Girls, said the center helps these young women receive an assessment and also provides transitional housing as they become independent.

She said many have dealt with trauma or crisis situations, need rehabilitation or have mental health issues. They take part in parenting classes and job-skills training or have been referred to the center by another agency or organization.

“We bring them here and provide them a place where they can stay as they receive assistance. We try to make this as much like a home as possible. We work to find the skills that they may have,” Rushton said.

The women receive schooling to earn a high school diploma or GED and participate in self-esteem programs.

Rushton said the children of the young women staying there are placed in the day care or preschool.

“We get them in contact with WIC (women, infants and children) to help them and their children with milk, diapers and clothing,” she said.

Rushton said Amina’s reached out to work with other agencies such as Making Kids Count, the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, and also social workers who work with the young women on child visitation.

FEELS GOOD

Phil-Lysha Cummings of Youngstown said she feels the programs and meetings she has attended have been very helpful.

“Her programs and classes have really helped me identify where I can improve and what I can do in my life. It makes you feel good about yourself,” Cummings said.

Cummings said the program has helped her understand the importance of positive self-esteem and education.

“She has helped me a lot. My children are here in day care while I am at classes and work,” she said.

Cummings said she has learned the importance of respect for one’s self and for others, and for having a strong work ethic.

SAW A NEED

The center, located at 611 Belmont Ave. in Youngstown, opened in the summer of 2021 and receives funding from donations that provide for clothing and housing.

Rushton said she saw a need for the center and its programs for individuals age 16 and older.

“There is a need everywhere. Many of these women have found themselves without a home or family to provide for them. There are many homeless women we reach out to and get their lives back on track,” she explained. “We work with them to be independent and to be able to provide and prepare food for their families. We work with them to be able to complete the program in 21 days. They can always come back and be in the program,’ she said.

Rushton said the young women are asked to complete the 21-module program that focuses on grooming and hygiene, cooking, nutrition, social skills, parenting skills, completing chores and educational development.

Social workers and case workers come to the site to interact with the young women and assist them where needed.

“We ask that they are doing something between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., whether it be work or attending classes or programs. The day care is here for children of those who are working.” Rushton said.

‘I BELIEVE’

“I want them to believe in themselves, that they can do this and make their lives better — just as I believe in them. We want to see them make an effort to improve themselves. We focus on abilities and challenges so the women can finish their diplomas and advance toward degrees in a training program,” she said.

A young woman completes the program to become independent and learns to be financially stable, with help from the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley providing vouchers.

“To meet the requirements they must have a job and be making at least two-thirds of their rent. We help them with starting savings and checking accounts and learning to save money, and learn how to get miscellaneous things they need,” Rushton said.

Rushton said since opening last summer, she has helped 173 young women and she expects that to continue to grow.

“My office always has someone coming in. I have been here for almost a year, and it is wonderful when we are able to help them turn their lives around,” she said.

For information call 614-747-8857.