Senator Cooney Celebrates Groundbreaking Of Miss Julie's School Of Beauty

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Miss Julie’s School of Beauty celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of their cosmetology school in the historic Sibley Building, joined by Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and Mayor Malik Evans. Senator Cooney secured $284,000 in state funding for the school, an anti-trafficking sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking. 

“Senator Cooney saw the value in our mission early on, and thanks to his support we are finally able to make our school a reality,” said Julie Chapus, Founder of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty. 

“Julie Chapus and the entire team behind Miss Julie’s School of Beauty are on the forefront of protecting survivors in our community,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “With today’s groundbreaking, we are ensuring that the school will create a model for other communities to follow when it comes to providing safety and economic independence for survivors of human trafficking. I’m proud to have secured funding to help make this project a reality and am a staunch supporter of the lifesaving work Julie is performing.” 

"Miss Julie’s School of Beauty is a shining example of how our city comes together to support the most vulnerable among us," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "By providing survivors of human trafficking with career training and financial tools to build sustainable futures, this program is creating pathways to economic independence and long-term stability. We are proud to celebrate this milestone, and thankful to Senator Cooney for securing funding for this important project. We look forward to the continued impact of Miss Julie’s in empowering lives and strengthening our community."

“Winn Companies is delighted to have Miss Julie’s ground breaking educational facility locate in Sibley Square. This continues the public private partnerships making a difference in the community we call home,” said Ken Greene, Winn Companies Director of Commercial Development.

Miss Julie’s School of Beauty equips survivors with cosmetology licenses and the tools they need to gain financial independence. With their survivor-centric approach, Miss Julie’s provides therapeutic, and trauma-informed cosmetology training for survivors of sex-trafficking in the heart of downtown Rochester. 

When a trafficking victim has spent time on the street, they will likely be arrested for the very situation they have been forced into. For survivors, potentially left with a criminal record, it can become extremely difficult to find a job that pays a living wage. NYS cosmetology licensure overcomes that barrier, eliminating the need for employer background checks and opens up an opportunity for a rewarding and lucrative career. At no cost to the student, Miss Julie’s School of Beauty offers a path to independent living compatible with ongoing recovery and family reunification.

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