Funding Delays
Federal Funding Update: Navigating Delays


Surviving (and Thriving) Without Federal Funding
When funding pauses, it’s easy to feel uncertain. But moments like these remind us to return to the heart of our work — the people we serve.
We know that survivors can’t put their healing on hold while systems catch up. Education, consistency, and safety are what allow healing to grow roots. That’s why we keep showing up — even when budgets tighten — with creativity, community, and faith.
At Miss Julie’s, our mission has always been about more than teaching cosmetology. We exist to create a healing, empowering path forward for survivors — a place where people rebuild confidence, skill, and purpose while preparing for sustainable careers.
So what happens when federal funding — a major source of support for nonprofits — slows down or disappears?
We keep going.
Because our mission didn’t begin with federal funding, and it doesn’t end when it’s delayed.
Staying Grounded in Our “Why”
When funding pauses, it’s easy to feel uncertain. But moments like these remind us to return to the heart of our work — the people we serve.
We know that survivors can’t put their healing on hold while systems catch up. Education, consistency, and safety are what allow healing to grow roots. That’s why we keep showing up — even when budgets tighten — with creativity, community, and faith.
Community Over Bureaucracy
Federal dollars often come with red tape, long timelines, and complex reporting. When those streams stall, we lean on something stronger: community.
It’s our local partners, beauty industry friends, faith communities, and individual donors who step forward and say, “We’ve got you.”
They help us bridge the gap — not because of contracts or compliance, but because they believe in transformation, second chances, and survivor leadership.
Every gift, big or small, becomes part of a living, breathing support system.
Diversifying the Way We Thrive
Part of healing and sustainability — for both people and organizations — means not putting all your hope in one place.
Here’s how we’re learning to grow without depending solely on federal funds:
- Private and family foundations that value trauma-informed education.
- Local businesses that sponsor student kits, supplies, or scholarships.
- Community salon days that invite the public to support student learning while receiving services.
- Individual donors who give monthly or “pay it forward” for future survivors to attend.
These layers of support mean our impact isn’t tied to one budget cycle. It’s grounded in shared vision.
Radical Transparency Builds Trust
We believe in open communication. When funding delays happen, we don’t hide it — we talk about it. As we did in January.
Our supporters deserve to know where things stand and how their contributions make a difference. Being transparent isn’t about sounding desperate; it’s about being real.
And what we’ve found time and time again is that honesty brings people closer, not further away.
Creativity in the Waiting
While federal systems sort themselves out, we keep our creativity alive.
We teach. We connect. We serve.
Our students continue to learn the art of beauty while building life skills, emotional safety, and self-worth. Our staff continue to guide with compassion. Our partners continue to show up — because this isn’t just education; it’s transformation.
Funding helps us grow, but our purpose is what keeps us alive.
The Beauty of Resilience
Resilience is something survivors understand deeply. It’s what happens when the world says “wait,” and you choose to move forward anyway.
We see that same resilience reflected in our programs every day — in our students, our staff, and our supporters. Together, we’re proving that impact doesn’t stop when funding pauses. It evolves. It strengthens. It finds new ways.
When we say beauty changes lives, we mean it — even in the challenging seasons.