The AFG program had a grassroots beginning, arising from a mobilization of southwest Detroit residents motivated by their concern about area teenage girls. The community focused on changing the contextual causes rather than "fixing" the victims and discharging them into an unchanged environment. The initial steering committee elected a board of directors, drew up bylaws, began to raise funds, and developed an agenda. The need for three specific services were identified: residential space, outreach workers, and active public education. AFG, with a current annual budget of $800,000, supports programs facilitating young women's transition from homelessness to self-supporting, safe, and drug-free lives. These community-based, nonpunitive programs promote school retention, self-esteem building, and family reunification. 11 references