About Us

Statistics show that West Virginia girls are some of the most at-risk in the nation

30%

Of teen girls have seriously contemplated suicide in the United States

6 in 10

Teen girls experience persistent feelings of hopelessness/sadness

30

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.

  • Libera Office

  • Libera Group

  • Lila Bear STEAM Program

Mountaineer Challenge Academy (South)
Mountaineer Challenge Academy (North)
Children's Home Society
Mon County Youth Reporting
Golden Girl Group Home
Mercer County Schools
Doddridge County Middle School
Preston County Middle School
Preston County High School
Big Otter Elementary
Clay Elementary
Charleston Regional Office
Middle College at Fairmont State
Marion County Youth Reporting
Crittenton Services
McCrary Center
Helinski Emergency Shelter
Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Detention Center
Morgantown Headquarters
Vicki Douglas Juvenile Detention Center

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 supporters!

Our supporters 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.

Arc
Arc
BAS
BAS
Chestnut Ridge Church
Chestnut Ridge Church
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Encova
Encova
Expand
Expand
GKVF
GKVF
MP
MP
Mex Express
Mex Express
Mylan Foundation
Mylan Foundation
NRF
NRF
OJP
OJP
Pallottine Foundation
Pallottine Foundation
Premier
Premier
Sisters of St. Joseph
Sisters of St. Joseph
Solar Holler
Solar Holler
United Bank
United Bank
WVJC
WVJC
WVU Medicine Children's
WVU Medicine Children's
Wing 2 Wing
Wing 2 Wing
Women's Giving Circle
Women's Giving Circle
Your Community Foundation
Your Community Foundation

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.