From Cocoon to Calling: Youth Vocations

Youth economic advancement

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Centuries of systemic oppression literally change gene expression and transmit trauma across generations. The demographics of Opportunity Youth reflect this impact, with Black, Indigenous and Latinx young people disproportionately affected. Workforce disconnection for Black youth is particularly high and increasing. Los Angeles has a significant population of Opportunity Youth—those aged 16 to 24 who are not in work or school. These young people often face intergenerational trauma, which hinders their ability to find stable, well-paying jobs. The unemployment rate for Opportunity Youth in LA is double that of their peers, leading to long-term economic disparity and social instability. This problem is exacerbated by limited access to mental health support and vocational training. Addressing this issue is urgent because the longer these youth remain disengaged, the more challenging it becomes for them to break the cycle of poverty and trauma. Sources 1, 2

The cocoon is a groundbreaking pilot program designed to empower Opportunity Youth by addressing the root causes of their disconnection: the intergenerational trauma of systemic oppression. We provide comprehensive support, including room and board, healthcare, and a year-long program of healing and vocational discovery. Unlike other programs, we integrate holistic and traditional healing modalities, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit.
Our innovative approach includes intensive mental health support, trauma-informed workshops, and mindfulness practices rooted in culturally-specific, pre-colonial healing traditions. This holistic healing phase is followed by vocational discovery, where participants explore career pathways through mentorship, career counseling, and internships. Additionally, we offer life skills training, such as financial literacy and resume building.
By surrounding youth with ancestral healing practices and lifeways, we aim to transform trauma into purpose and create pathways for economic inclusion and personal fulfillment. This unique approach addresses the fundamental issues affecting Opportunity Youth and fosters a generation of empowered, economically independent young adults in LA.

At 20, I was an unemployed college dropout living on my aunt's air mattress in Burbank. Nightmares made sleep impossible, and my complex PTSD kept me from holding down a job. Today, I am a financially independent business owner dedicated to alchemizing past pain to serve the collective. If it weren't for my aunt and intergenerational community providing me exactly what the cocoon offers to Opportunity Youth, I would probably be unhoused and unemployed. In October 2025, success means that participating young people emerge from the cocoon with tools to regulate their nervous systems, a scaffolded support system, and a clear plan for the year to come. We will also have gathered data and built partnerships to sustain and scale this work beyond the grant period. The ripple effect of supported, empowered youth radiates through the collective. cocoon participants' relational skills will change how they relate to their peers and open opportunities for them that they can share with others.

Success will be defined and measured through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure that we effectively address the complex needs of Opportunity Youth in Los Angeles County. We will conduct pre- and post-program surveys to assess changes in participants' mental health, vocational clarity, and social support networks. Key metrics include improved emotional regulation, stable employment or educational engagement, and the establishment of supportive relationships. We will collect qualitative feedback through regular check-ins and testimonials, ensuring that participants' voices shape the program's evolution. By partnering with local organizations, we will track long-term outcomes, such as sustained employment and community engagement. Additionally, we will use data analytics to measure program impact and identify areas for improvement. Our team is well-prepared to implement this innovative approach, with expertise in trauma-informed care and holistic healing.