blog

Statement from Jessica Nowlan, executive director of Young Women's Freedom Center, about Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to shut down California's three remaining youth prisons. The state would stop intake of new youth beginning in January 2021, according to the Governor's proposed budget "This commitment by the state towards a different approach to youth justice is...

Sign onto Freedom Charter now! WE, cis and transgender women and girls and GNC people who are formerly and currently incarcerated, systems-involved and sexually exploited, declare to the United States and the world: that the prison, policing and family separation systems are rooted in histories of the colonization of indigenous people, slavery, Jim Crow laws...

For more than two years, the Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, a movement of hundreds of formerly incarcerated girls, women and TGNC folks, has been organizing to shape a California where we can be free. The result is Freedom 2030, a 10-year political organizing, culture change and legislative campaign that will end the criminalization of...

YWFC Oakland is seeking to find 15 cis/trans girls and gnc youth who are interested in participating in a 21 week paid internship within the following special interest areas: food service & event planning / youth organizing / and community engagement.  Deadline: Rolling admission (until all 15 slots have been filled). Interviews will begin on...

November 13, 2019 Sheriff David LivingstonCounty of Contra Costa651 Pine Street, Seventh Floor Martinez, California 94553 Dear Sheriff Livingston, I am writing regarding the issue of late night releases from county jails. This is an issue of critical importance to the safety and well-being of individuals in your care, especially women, transgender individuals and others who may be at...

The following poems and writing are a sample of the work created through these workshops. Home Poems from Sisters/Sibling Circles  It feels so different for me to be home but yet still the same.I've been home now for about 30 days just after doing a 16 month sentence in prison.From Chowchilla women's prison to California...

*** PRESS RELEASE *** A Majority of the Board of Supervisors Support Legislation Authored by Supervisors Walton, Ronenand Haney to Close San Francisco’s Juvenile Hall by December 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 9 2019 Press Contacts: Sup.Walton’s Office: Tracy Gallardo 415-509-7266 tracy.gallardo@sfgov.org; Sup.Ronen’s Office: Carolyn Goossen 415-370-5621 carolyn.goossen@sfgov.org; Sup.Haney’s Office: Abigail Rivamonte Mesa 415-964-6120,...

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 21, 2019   Press Contact:  Jessica Nowlan,  jessica@youngwomenfree.org   ***PRESS RELEASE***Young  Women’s Freedom Center Applauds Plans to Shut Down San Francisco’s  Juvenile Hall by 2021**********   SAN FRANCISCO – The Young Women’s Freedom Center applauds and  supports San Francisco Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Shamann  Walton’s plans to draft legislation to mandate the closure of San  Francisco’s Juvenile Hall by December...

1. READ THIS SB 555: The Jail FACTS ActThe Jail FACTS Act, authored by State Senator Holly Mitchell, will reduce the heavy financial burden placed on the families and support systems of incarcerated individuals. SB 555 aims to eliminate the exorbitant costs of communications (including phone calls, video visitation and electronic communications) regulate the prices for...

Black Girl Be Well Healing & Wellness Summit is a one day conference created for black girls and TGNC young people by black girls and TGNC young people.  At the Summit, young people will use their voices to build personal and collective power to make their communities better.Registration for this event is required.  To...