Youth Empowerment Program (Y.E.P.)

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse. According to 2019 data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about 1 in 12 teens experience physical dating violence and about the same number face sexual dating violence. Other studies suggest rates may be higher, especially when accounting for psychological forms of abuse. Children and youth who witness or are victims of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse are at higher risk for health problems as adults; these can include mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. ELAWC addresses the problems of sexual violence and dating violence by using a preventative approach with youth, culturally sustained and restorative practices, community engagement, and direct clinical services. Since its inception in 1976 ELAWC remains the leading organization for survivors in the East LA area.

The Youth Empowerment Program will effectively engage youth ages 14-24 through a gender inclusive, culturally- based and comprehensive curriculum to educate and engage BIPOC youth. The program empowers youth to establish healthy relationships within their family, friends, schools, and community. The eight-session training begins with an orientation for parental figures and youth that provides them with information geared at increasing their awareness, knowledge, and understanding of sexual assault violence and its impact. At the heart of the program there are cultural protective factors that build and reinforce the values of dignity, restoring hope and healing and respect for all relationships.
Once program participants have completed the 40 hour training they continue engaging 5-7 hours monthly of outreach and event tabling, attending community events, providing peer to peer education and additional training. Trained Youth Advocates will be prepared to become agents of change, influencing intergenerational and community level on awareness, prevention and bridging intergenerational conversations through the arts via screenings of Trigger, a film written by the ELAWC Youth Empowerment Program. In addition to cultural activities such as the annual día de los muertos youth altar presentation at the ELA Civic Center, social media engagement to destigmatize conversations about sexual and dating violence, and lastly though the annual youth empowerment summit for LA County youth.

An investment in preventative measures leads to a healthier Los Angeles County mentally and physically. By investing in ELAWC Y.E.P, Los Angeles County will experience positive social change marked by increased awareness and prevention of sexual and dating violence. Youth and their families will be better equipped to build and sustain healthy relationships, creating a more respectful and supportive community environment. Empowered youth leaders will actively participate in community outreach and peer education, fostering a culture of understanding and mutual respect. Enhanced cultural cohesion will emerge through engaging activities, decreasing stigma around sensitive issues, and promoting sustained intergenerational dialogue and awareness. This will ultimately lead to a safer, more informed, and cohesive Los Angeles County.

The impact of the ELAWC Youth Empowerment Program is measured through enrollment and the retention of 24 youth advocates year around. In 2023 Y.E.P provided education, engagement, and direct services to over 6,000 youth and their families and over 120 youth from East Los Angeles and surrounding communities participated in culturally relevant workshops and hands-on activities where they are encouraged to express themselves. The youth run @ELAWCYouth with over 2K social media followers. All participation and community engagement is documented in the ELAWC data collection system.