Youth Empowerment

Youth Empowerment (based in San Diego) is an organization dedicated to transformation at the youth, family, and community level. Their website outlines three foundational pillars: Community Engagement, Resilience, and Leadership Development. Youth Empowerment San Diego

Here are some highlights of what they do:

• Their after-school and in-school youth mentoring programs provide safe, engaging environments for youth, pairing them with mentors called Credible Messengers—individuals with lived experience who help guide young people through social-emotional development and career exploration. Youth Empowerment San Diego
  
  
• They run re-entry programs for youth and adults transitioning back into the community after incarceration, focusing on employment readiness, personal development and community reintegration. Youth Empowerment San Diego
  
  
• They support parents/guardians through classes that strengthen communication and family dynamics, recognizing that youth empowerment is deeply connected to family and community systems. Youth Empowerment San Diego
  
  
• The organization is located at 4660 El Cajon Blvd, Unit 205, San Diego, CA 92115. Youth Empowerment San Diego
  
  

In short: Youth Empowerment SD is not only supporting youth in isolated programs, but is weaving together mentorship, trauma-informed care, community engagement, and leadership development to foster sustainable transformation.
‍

Why This Matters (Especially for Our Mission)

Youth empowerment and community engagement are critical components of systemic change. Research and programmatic experience show that when young people experience trauma, instability, or limited access to career pathways, their risk of homelessness, incarceration, and disengagement increases. By working upstream to focus on leadership development and resilience, we reduce those downstream risks.

For Cherry Willow Apparel, partnering with Youth Empowerment SD creates a bridge: we link youth empowerment with homelessness prevention, supporting community health and stability rather than only reactive rescue.

The concept of “Credible Messengers” (mentors who have lived through similar challenges) is compelling here. It’s a proven model for building trust, fostering authentic connection, and driving impact. crediblemessenger3.org

My (Personal) Experience with Youth Empowerment SD on the Pedal for Progress Ride

I had the opportunity to meet with Youth Empowerment during my Pedal for Progress ride when I reached San Diego. I got to tour their after-school facility and learn firsthand the importance of providing a safe space for the kids in their program. You can see the interview in the documentary here.

Their team members were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the work. We helped them run a youth-led design contest, allowing the program's youth to use art to show what the program meant to them. The designs they came up with were excellent. You can buy the shirts here to support both Cherry Willow Apparel & Youth Empowerment. 

How Cherry Willow Apparel and Youth Empowerment SD Are Working Together

• We are coordinating a joint apparel fundraiser: a special-edition t-shirt, designed by their youth, with 80% of proceeds supporting Youth Empowerment SD’s after-school mentoring program
• We are co-creating content: blog posts, social-media features, and a documentary interview with Youth Empowerment SD mentors.
  
  

What You Can Do Right Now

• Donate to Youth Empowerment SD’s programs: focus on “Youth After-School Program,” “Enrichment Activities,” or “Youth Future Planning.” These areas directly support young people staying in school, exploring careers, and building leadership. Youth Empowerment San Diego
  
  
• Purchase the special edition apparel from Cherry Willow Apparel. 80% goes to Youth Empowerment SD, and you’re wearing your support as you spread awareness.
  
  
• Share this blog and our video on your personal networks, LinkedIn, Instagram Stories, and Facebook. Use the call to action: “Join us in empowering youth and ending homelessness.”
  
  
• Volunteer or visit one of Youth Empowerment SD’s programs if you are in the San Diego region (or connect virtually if outside). Your time and presence matter.
  
  
• Advocate and educate: Use your platform to highlight the concept of credible messengers, youth re-entry, leadership development, and how building community resilience impacts long-term housing stability.
  
  

FAQ

Q: What age groups does Youth Empowerment SD serve?
A: Their programs cover youth in school (in-school mentoring and after-school), adults transitioning from incarceration (reentry), and parent/guardian support programs. Youth Empowerment San Diego

Q: What is a ‘Credible Messenger’?
A: A credible messenger is a mentor or guide who has lived experience similar to the youth they serve; often someone who has lived in the same community, faced similar challenges, or been through the justice system—and who uses that experience to build trust, mentor, and lead. crediblemessenger3.org

Q: How does youth leadership development tie into ending homelessness?
A: When youth gain leadership skills, resilience, and community engagement, they are less likely to drop out, disengage, become involved in criminal systems, or experience housing instability. By empowering them early, you strengthen the path toward stability, employment, and permanent housing.

Q: How can an apparel brand like Cherry Willow really help?
A: By funding high-impact programs (through a portion of sales), raising awareness, mobilizing network influence, engaging youth in service events tied to the brand’s mission (such as the bike ride), and telling stories that humanize the intersection of youth empowerment and homelessness prevention.

‍

Ways to Help Today:

• Visit and purchase the collab tee here: Collab Link 
• Share this blog post and link to the documentary with your networks.
• Explore volunteer/training options at Youth Empowerment
• Wear the tee. Ask about the story behind it. Start a conversation.

‍