Young Women’s Freedom Center: Empowering the next generation

For the past 30 years, the Young Women's Freedom Center has been a beacon of hope and transformation for over 40,000 young women and trans youth in California.

This organization has dedicated itself to breaking the cycle of adversity for those who have grown up in poverty, experienced incarceration and the foster care system, endured life on the streets, and faced significant violence in their lives.

The power of support and mentorship

Through a network of caring mentors, Young Women's Freedom Center provides guidance, empathy, and a safe space for growth.

Advocacy is also an important cornerstone of their work.

They help people understand that systemic change is necessary to address the root causes of adverse childhood experiences, said Julia Arroyo, the organization’s co-executive director.

That’s also why the organization advocates for policies and reforms that benefit young people who have been impacted by poverty, the juvenile legal system, and the foster care system, Arroyo said.

Meaningful employment opportunities

One of the most powerful ways to break free from the cycle of adversity is through meaningful employment. So, the Young Women's Freedom Center provides job training and employment opportunities to the youth they serve.

By empowering them with skills and a path to financial stability, the goal is to help young people regain control of their lives.

The All In For Kids initiative

The All In For Kids initiative has been an important part of the Young Women's Freedom Center's mission.

Because of the initiative, they have been able to launch programs like Young Mothers United, which focuses on empowering pregnant and parenting young people. The program equips system-involved young mothers with the knowledge and resources needed to interrupt cycles of violence and trauma and create healthy habits.

This summer, the Young Mothers United program in Oakland had 19 participants, Arroyo said.

It offered a holistic approach to healing and empowerment. Educational workshops provided valuable knowledge, while practices like acupuncture and yoga offered healing for both the body and mind.

“This program, in particular, exemplifies our organization's dedication to nurturing the holistic well-being of the young people we serve,” Arroyo said.