The Russian Orphan Opportunity Fund

With EMpower support, ROOF is developing a three-pronged program, Jewel Girls, for girls leaving orphaned care:

1. 1) Business development: Girls design and sell high-end jewelry, earning and saving money and developing skills as budding entrepreneurs.
2. 2)On-site referrals and support to girls who are being sexually exploited or experience gender-based violence, to reduce this harm and assist with coping mechanisms.
3. 3)Last, the program will help develop social capital both by fostering support and friendships among the girl participants, and by linking them to community and business leaders who provide a bridge to mainstream Russian society from which the girls have been excluded due to their status as orphans.

ROOF addresses the needs of disadvantaged youth, especially those living in orphanages. Its programs are designed to address the lack of educational opportunities for orphaned children and youth; develop social and life skills; and create a supportive community, as well as employment opportunities, for orphanage graduates.

ROOF is the grantee partner working in partnership to refine and implement JewelGirls, a FAIR Fund signature program.