CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MISS JULIE’S SCHOOL OF BEAUTY

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced $477,000 in new federal funding he secured to support Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, a Rochester-based organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking, breaking cycles of exploitation and abuse, and empowering survivors with the skills and tools they need to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

“Miss Julie’s School of Beauty provides a space for people to feel safe, build skills, and take real steps toward a better future,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “They provide essential job training—but even more than that, they provide survivors with the tools and support to find stability, pursue meaningful work, and feel part of a community that believes in them. Government should help facilitate those opportunities, and I’m proud to have secured funding to make that happen.”

Miss Julie Chapus, Executive Director and Founder of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, said: “Thank you Representative Morelle for initiating the appropriations on behalf of Miss Julie's School of Beauty. I greatly appreciate your efforts to secure us this funding, which I am sure will help many students for years to come.”

Miss Julie’s School of Beauty has long served as a cornerstone of cosmetology education in Rochester, preparing students for state licensure and successful careers in the beauty industry. Through comprehensive, hands-on training, the school equips aspiring cosmetologists with the technical skills, professionalism, and business knowledge needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Its programs emphasize not only mastery of cosmetology fundamentals, but also entrepreneurship and career readiness—empowering graduates to secure employment, open their own businesses, and strengthen the local economy.

Rep. Morelle secured nearly half a million dollars which will support the school’s cosmetology licensing program designed to help survivors of sex trafficking build stable, independent futures. Grant dollars will cover personnel costs, staff training, and the purchase of essential supplies and equipment to ensure high-quality instruction. In addition to technical cosmetology training, participants will receive education in business development, team building, and independent living skills—creating a clear pathway to licensure, employment, and long-term economic security.

Congressman Morelle, Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, worked to secure this funding as a part of the Community Project Funding process in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Package. Read the full project proposal here.

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