About Us
Libera was founded in 2015 to help girls in West Virginia be their <span class="text-highlight-turquoise">most free and authentic selves</span>
Statistics show that West Virginia girls are some of the most at-risk in the nation
Of teen girls have seriously contemplated suicide in the United States
Teen girls experience persistent feelings of hopelessness/sadness
Of the 50 US counties with the poorest mental health, all of the top 10 are in West Virginia.
Our solution? Providing listening, connection, and hope through our programs and the L.I.B.E.R.A. model.
Our programs are statistically proven to decrease anxiety and depression, and increase life satisfaction according to Dr. Claydon’s Research from the WVU School of Public Health.
Program
Libera Peer Groups
Our groups create safe spaces for girls to share, overcome barriers, and get support. Groups are held weekly across the state in schools, detention centers, shelters, libraries, residential facilities, and online.
Program
Mentorship & Success Planning
We walk alongside young women as they navigate life, listening to them and connecting them to the resources and skills they need to be independent and thriving adults.
Program
Social Enterprise
We provide part-time employment to at-risk young women so they have the opportunity to earn income while learning job skills in a safe and supportive workspace.
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
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
The L.I.B.E.R.A. model
Our L.I.B.E.R.A. model has been studied by Dr. Elizabeth Claydon from the WVU School of Public Health, and is statistically proven to decrease anxiety and depression, and increase life satisfaction when used by Libera in peer groups with girls.
Listen
Listen to your story with empathy and without judgement.
Illuminate
Illuminate the lies in your story.
Believe
Believe the truth of your potential.
Envision
Envision a new future living out your true potential
Reach
Reach for resources to overcome your barriers and lies
Alight
Alight by empowering & supporting others in your circle.
We operate across the state of West Virginia visiting areas of most need.
Our headquarters and regional office serving the northern part of WV is in Morgantown, West Virginia. In early 2024, we opened a 2nd regional office in Charleston, WV to serve the southern part of the state.
Where does the name “Libera” come from?
The West Virginia state motto, “Montani Semper Liberi” means “Mountaineers are always free.” "Libera" (pronounced "lee-bare-uh"), is the feminine form of the word “liberi” meaning “free,” which is our vision for every woman and teen of West Virginia.
Get to know us
Meet our staff and board
We're a caring team dedicated to empowering teens and girls across the state of West Virginia.
A huge thank you to our partners!
Our partners are so important to us! They are the heros who make freedom possible for the youth and women with whom we work. Without them there would be no Libera.
Every girl deserves to live in freedom. Join our mission!
Your participation can help transform the lives of teens across the state of West Viriginia.