Building brighter futures for girls in West Virginia

The Problem

Girls in West Virginia face barriers to reaching their full potential due to <span class="text-highlight-turquoise">limited access to resources, connections, and education,</span> perpetuating cycles of poverty, poor mental health, and trauma.

60%

of teen girls experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness

> 50%

of the 50 counties ranked in the US with the poorest mental health are in West Virginia.

48th

West Virginia ranks 48th for health outcomes among women & children, 47th for social & economic factors

1 in 4

children in West Virginia are living in poverty

Our Solution

Research shows our peer groups decrease anxiety and depression, and increase life satisfaction

Just listening can make all the difference. We create safe spaces for girls to feel seen and heard, get connected to resources and support, and build the skills they need to succeed.

Learn about what we do

What we do

Our goal is to reach every girl in need of a better future in WV

Girls in Public Schools

West Virginia youth are struggling with an unprecedented mental health crisis

Request a group

Girls in Juvenile Justice

WV has the 2nd highest rate of youth in incarceration

Girls Transitioning from Foster Care

Our state has the highest rate of youth in foster care

Request mentorship

Here's what women and girls have to say about our programs.

"Being in the Libera program has helped me so much in the short time that I've been in it. I have learned about empowering others and being empowered, it's good to know others have been through the same things as me...I feel less alone"

Libera mentee

"Libera has helped show me how many other experiences there are and that there are more struggles that exist beyond my knowledge. I have also learned that our internal narrative is not to be trusted but rather questioned and examined further because our brains don’t always tell the truth, just because we think it doesn’t mean it’s true!"

Libera mentor

"This group was helpful in the way of having time to tell about my feeling[s] and have someone to talk to."

Libera group participant (6th grade)

"Libera has helped me find out what I wanted my goals to be, where I wanted my path to go to, instead of being stuck in the habit of addiction that I was once in. So now I'm going to go to college next month for vocal performance, and I'm going to continue my road towards recovery."

Libera group participant

Every girl deserves the freedom to achieve her dreams.

Your participation can help transform the lives of teens across the state of West Viriginia.

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Latest News

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July 24, 2024

We also educate and employ West Virginia youth at our social enterprise, the Lila Bear Explor(her) Club.

We create educational and inspirational STEAM activity boxes for elementary youth ages 6 to 10 years old that introduce them to wild & wonderful Appalachian women and places.

Learn more about Lila Bear

Lila Bear Boxes Now Available