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Santa Clara County

Launched in 2018

At YWFC Santa Clara County, we are dedicated to ending the criminalization and incarceration of young women and trans youth of all genders by providing extensive support in leadership development and advocacy to young people navigating away from the system-involvement and toward self-determination. In partnership with county departments and the community, we are building the alternatives to incarceration and working to ensure young women and trans youth of all genders have what they need to reach their goals.

Our work has enabled SCC to reach the goal of 0 girls in both the short-term and long-term facilities.

sccreferrals@youngwomenfree.org
“As a formerly incarcerated and system impacted youth living here in Santa Clara County, the opportunity to work with YWFC as a youth organizer really supported me in shifting the direction of my life. The Center has had a huge impact on my life – professionally, personally, and in caring about my community and making decisions about my and my son’s future. Although I made the choices necessary to change my life, the Center was a huge support in helping me make those decisions through empowering me in my self-determination.”

– Joycelyn (she/ her), Lead Fellow, When Young Mom’s Thrive at YWFC SCC

Programs in Santa Clara County

1-1 Self Determination Advocacy

Life Coaching, support, systems navigation, mentorship, and re-entry planning

Community Based Research

Through YWFC’s Freedom Research Institute, young people work to develop and implement Youth Participatory Action Research Projects to inform the work, the field, and policy changes.

Emerging Leaders in Detention

Weekly workshops for young women in juvenile hall and county jail, 1-1 support, and systems advocacy and support.

Freedom Circles

Weekly 2-hour circles grounded in self-determination, positive peer relationships and caring support from self-determination advocates. Our Freedom Circles provide healing and support for young people navigating to stay out of the system. This work includes court support and systems navigation.

Healing & Wellness

YWFC provides access to holistic healing and support for young people to build confidence, agency, and power.

Leadership Fellowship

24-month paid fellowships for young people to advance their skills as community leaders working on behalf of other young people and our communities in Oakland.

Peer-based Outreach, Advocacy, and Crisis Intervention

Peer advocates have been the most successful at finding and engaging young people in YWFC programming through peer-to-peer referrals, community, and street outreach.

Pride Project

8-month support and educational program for young LGBTQIAA+ youth navigating the system.

Siblings on the Rise

Siblings on the Rise is a paid internship and fellowship that supports young people who have been involved in the juvenile justice system, foster care, welfare, and/or the underground street economies to gain skills to access sustainable employment.

UBI SCC

YWFC is piloting a universal basic income program with young people who are at risk of exploitation. Participants also receive coaching, mentorship, leadership development and training, and healing support.

When Young Moms Thrive

A first-of-a-kind program for and driven by young moms in East San Jose and South County. This one-year pilot program is co-led with Alliance for Girls through funding from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to employ young moms to conduct research, advocacy, and organizing.

Resources from Santa Clara County

Current Openings

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