Libera Inc.

“The Form 990 is reviewed by the Executive Director and bookkeeper prior to filing.”

“Conflicts are discussed at board meetings as needed.”

“BOD approval is obtained for executive compensation and raises.”

“Documents are made available upon request.”

“Rounding adjustment.”

“Social Enterprise - 3,500 youth were educated on STEAM and/or emotional health during 2023.The Lila Bear Explor(her) Club is a social enterprise started by Libera in 2022 to help educate, employ, and empower at-risk youth in West Virginia. We employ youth from the Libera Mentorship program to work part-time creating our STEAM activity boxes inspired by the stories of Appalachian women and places and to help facilitate our STEAM exploration programs in schools. Families can purchase our boxes online and have them shipped directly to their home anywhere in the US. All profits from this social enterprise are invested back into our nonprofit programs for mentoring, training, and elevating opportunities for at-risk youth across West Virginia. In 2023, we provided part-time employment to four girls transitioning from West Virginia foster care and supported them with on-the-job training and services. We also work with local businesses, foundations, and individuals to sponsor our boxes for West Virginia students in Title I schools. Through 2023, we had over 5,000 of our boxes sponsored for West Virginia students. As part of this initiative, we do STEAM exploration programs with the boxes in West Virginia elementary schools, where kids can learn and engage in STEAM activities, practice socio-emotional skills, access mental health resources, and take home their very own Lila Bear box. Mentoring/Peer Support - During 2023, 225 Girls were mentored in groups or individually in 7 West Virginia counties. We provided Libera groups in middle schools and high schools, foster congregate care homes, emergency shelters, youth reporting centers, and juvenile detention centers. Groups and mentoring are based on our Libera Model: LISTEN to your story with empathy and without judgment ILLUMINATE the lies in your story BELIEVE the truth in your story, instead of the lies ENVISION a new future living in that truth REACH for resources to overcome your barriers and lies ALIGHT by empowering others in your circle. 61 mentors were trained as Libera Listeners.Our mentors helped connect youth and young women to resources, including school counselors, therapists, nonprofits, social agencies, anxiety and depression tools, coping skills, and more. 5,400 connections were made to these mental health resources, basic needs resources, etc. 6,100 LovePacks were distributed to foster youth across the state of West Virginia that included mental and emotional health books, videos, tools, and resources. 7 girls were employed and/or received employment support. Our model was researched by Dr. Elizabeth Claydon, WVU School of Public Health, from 2020 through 2023 and was shown to decrease depressive symptoms, decrease anxiety symptoms, and increase life satisfaction.”