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 is an organization I am proud to support. YRJ is in the courts, the schools and in the state capitol. It is leveling the playing field through defense, support, and advocacy for children in foster care, for families in need, and for at-risk youth. It is critical and important work."

Liz Schlosser, Board Member, Youth, Rights & Justice

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 taco from ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria.
• • One free slice of pizza from Fino Bistro & Pizzeria.

• One free loaf of bread from Dave’s Killer Bread.

Plus the first 30 donations of $50 made during the last week of the campaign (December 26-31) will be matched, up to $1,500, thanks to ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria.

Business Partner(s)

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria is known for their tacos, with recipes spanning across the Oaxaca region of Mexico to the Pacific Coast; they use sustainable practices and seasonal ingredients. This is the third year that ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria has supported YRJ in the Give!Guide.

Fino Bistro & Pizzeria is a positive, inclusive neighborhood restaurant. Thank you to Fino Bistro & Pizzeria for their second year of support for YRJ. 

Dave’s Killer Bread is committed to uncompromising taste, texture and quality. They are also a proud Second Chance Employer and hire the best person for the job, regardless of criminal history. 

Thank you to ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria, Fino Bistro & Pizzeria, and Dave’s Killer Bread for supporting the work of Youth, Rights & Justice.