APA Raises $15,000 for Victim Assistance Project

As part of the annual APA Gives Back program, APA President Altha Stewart, M.D. (left), presented a donation of $15,000 to this year’s recipient, the Young Women’s Freedom Center, at the Opening Session of APA’s 2019 Annual Meeting. Executive Director Jessica Nowlan accepted the check on behalf of the center.

David Hathcox

Now in its 10th year, the APA Gives Back program provides an opportunity for APA, its members, and Annual Meeting attendees to support a community mental health organization in the city hosting the Annual Meeting. APA matches donations dollar for dollar. Since 2010, APA, members, and attendees have donated $170,000 through the program.

For 25 years the Young Women’s Freedom Center has been providing support, advocacy, and opportunities for healing for women and girls of color who are impacted by poverty or who were formerly incarcerated. The center provides economic opportunities coupled with progressive leadership development through internships, employment, and engagement in advocacy and organizing work. They are working to build a movement of formerly incarcerated or marginalized young women to lead local campaigns and statewide policy initiatives and to advocate for all women and girls. Jessica Nowlan entered the organization seeking help for her own needs 20 years ago, and today she serves as the organization’s leader.

The Young Women’s Freedom Center has offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, Calif.

“We are pleased to be able to show our support for the important work of the Young Women’s Freedom Center to support young women of color and transform the systems that keep them stuck in cycles of poverty, violence, and incarceration,” Stewart said. “The organization strives to address social determinants of health and mental health and demonstrates a passion for improving the lives of all women, especially those trapped in systems that are not designed to meet their often-complex needs.” ■