Youth, Rights & Justice

Mission

Youth, Rights & Justice advances the rights of children, parents, and families through advocacy in the courts, schools, legislature, and community.

Bottom Line for Portland

Youth, Rights & Justice is a true social change agency actively working to transform the systems that keep our society inequitable and unjust. Funds raised through Willamette Week’s Give!Guide will support programs that serve children and families as well as systems-change work that impacts Oregonians across the state. This work is carried out through a multi-faceted approach that includes legal defense in the juvenile delinquency and child welfare systems, an Expunction Clinic, our SchoolWorks program, and Family Defense Project. 

Quote

"Youth, Rights & Justice has been instrumental in passing legislation to get juveniles on the right path. Through public policy efforts and innovative programs, YRJ addresses structural inequities in the juvenile justice, dependency, and education systems."

Oregon State Senator Michael Dembrow

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The mission of Youth, Rights & Justice is rooted in creating equity for children and families who have experienced marginalization and oppression by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and education systems. Equity is one of our core values and we actively take steps to counter the racism and bias that permeate these systems. We seek opportunities to ensure those most affected have a significant role in decision-making.

Incentives

Every donor who gives $25 or more to YRJ will receive:

• • One free cup of coffee or one shot of espresso from The Stacks Coffeehouse.
• • One free slice of pizza from Fino Bistro & Pizzeria.

Partner(s)

The Stacks Coffeehouse hosts a community library and writing cafe where folks can gather over delicious coffee, tasty snacks, and beautiful books. This is the first year that The Stacks has partnered with YRJ in the Give!Guide.

Fino Bistro & Pizzeria is a positive, inclusive neighborhood restaurant serving handmade pasta and New York pizza. Thank you to Fino Bistro & Pizzeria for their third year of support for YRJ. 
Thank you to The Stacks Coffeehouse and Fino Bistro & Pizzeria for supporting the work of Youth, Rights & Justice. 

YRJ is proud to partner with fellow Give!Guide organizations:

AYCO on juvenile expunction work and educational advocacy for justice impacted youth. The Shadow Project on cross training between our respective program areas. Kinship House and Insight Alliance to amplify our complementary work with more people in the community.