TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message From Our Leaders Board of Directors Local Landscape Our Work The HYPE Center Partners 2024 Impact
1 2 3 4 5-7 8 9-14
Family & Me (FAM) IamJasmineStrong Impact Strategy The Year Ahead Financials
15 16 19 20 21-22
Donors Join Us
23 24
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As I look back on this year, I am inspired by the resilience of our community and the remarkable progress we’ve made in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). More than 396 young people in 2024 turned to the HYPE Center this year, finding not just a safe space but a foundation for hope, healing, and growth. With over 25 co- located partners, we’ve created a network of support that addresses every aspect of a young person’s well-being—empowering them to not only prevent their exploitation but to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that prevention is the most powerful form of protection. Programs like Family and Me (FAM) and the Supplemental Survivor Income Pilot provide critical financial stability and tailored, trauma-informed care to those at-risk. These initiatives help youth stay connected to supportive families, continue their education, find meaningful employment, and pursue their dreams without fear or barriers. This year, thanks to your support, we’ve not only expanded our reach but also strengthened our capacity to meet the unique needs of every young person who walks through our doors. Your continued commitment makes all of this possible. Every story of transformation, every life we help guide toward independence and safety, is a testament to the power of our shared purpose. None of this would have been possible without you: our donors, our partners, our advocates, and our tireless staff. Your support has been our foundation and our inspiration. As we look to the year ahead, I am filled with hope for what we can accomplish together. Let us continue to imagine new solutions, challenge the status quo, and build a world where every young person can grow up safe, respected, and free.
With gratitude and optimism, Francesca Gonzalez
Dear Friends of Freedom Forward,
Thank you for being part of our community. If you are receiving this report, you have volunteered time and energy, donated items, invested resources, made introductions on our behalf, and served as a thought-partner in challenges and opportunities that have come our way. As Co-founder, and Chair of the Board, I thank you for being part of Freedom Forward. While this report is reflective of our efforts last year, we cannot ignore you’re reading this now, in 2025. We are living in extraordinary, uncertain times, and our team and board are adapting to changes as they come, as are the young people we serve and our partners. Despite these challenges, our job is to show up even when the current is against us. You have read Francesca’s note: over 396 young people in 2024 took steps towards their healing because of HYPE and our 25 partners last year. We continue to show up for them. It is true that you can see a list of outputs of services they accessed on our dashboard, but the change in their lives is happening because of something much bigger: love. Every time a young person walks through our doors, here's what they might hear. “I see you.” “I hear you.” “You should rest.” "Here, get something to eat." "What do you need today?" “I remember what you said.” I look forward to all the ways we will all continue to show up for our community in the months to come. And if you haven’t stopped by in a while, come see love in action at HYPE.
In Gratitude,
Natasha Dolby
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TOP ROW
JaMel Perkins
Natasha Dolby
Natasha Singh
Co-Founder and Board Member
Principal, Natasha Singh Educational Consulting
Alia Whitney-Johnson Strategic Consultant, NDD Consulting Co-Founder and Board Chair Founder and CEO, Emerge Global Co-Founder, Freedom Forward
2ND ROW
Rob Waring
Rachel Reichenbach Founder, The Oceanic Partners
Child Welfare Law Specialist
3RD ROW
Jenn Davis
Draven Rane
Founding realtor Christie’s San Francisco
Researcher at Enoda
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Local Landscape: The Fight Against Youth Exploitation in San Francisco
San Francisco remains a critical frontline in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), especially among young people ages 14–24 who are system-involved. The most recent San Francisco CSEC data underscores both the urgency and complexity of this challenge: Current Scope: As of October 2024, there were 79 active, identified cases of youth experiencing sexual exploitation. These youth range in age from 12-20, with an average age of 18. Notably, 91% identify as female, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability faced by girls and young women. System-Involved Youth: Nearly half (49%) of exploited youth are not on a reunification path and will age out. Additionally, 20% of youth identified as exploited are currently missing from care, an increase from previous reports, underscoring the ongoing challenges of providing consistent protection to youth within existing systems. Demographic Trends: Exploitation continues to disproportionately impact youth of color, with notable shifts this year showing an increased representation among Latinx youth (28%), particularly from Central America. This demographic trend highlights critical intersections between immigration status, racial inequities, and vulnerability to exploitation. This landscape exists against a backdrop of significant political and economic uncertainty. Both the mayoral and presidential elections have placed heightened scrutiny on policies related to youth safety, immigration, housing, and public funding for social services. With San Francisco city departments facing mandatory budget cuts, essential programs supporting exploited and vulnerable youth are at risk. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, Freedom Forward remains committed to prevention and intervention efforts, advocating fiercely to protect funding and enhance services that empower youth, break cycles of exploitation, and promote healing and self-determination.
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Freedom Forward’s mission is to collaborate with Bay Area youth, ages 14-24, to transform systems and prevent their exploitation.
Our initiatives enable young people to have agency over their bodies, relationships, choices, and lives—ultimately helping them live free from exploitation and thrive.
Our initiatives focus on four pillars of reducing exploitation:
PREVENTION The HYPE Center is a one-stop drop-in for youth to meet their needs from multiple providers in one place
INTERVENTION
FAM (Family and Me) is reimagining foster care for teens in San Francisco
SURVIVOR SUPPORT
AWARENESS IAMJASMINESTRONG is a youth-led website providing education, resources, and support for Bay Area youth impacted by sexual exploitation
Our Supplemental Survivor Income Program provides guaranteed income to TAY (Transition Age Youth) Foster Youth to reduce exploitation risk and meet basic needs.
SSIP
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HYPE C
CENTER
meet the team...
SUMMER PHILLIPS HYPE CENTER MANAGER Summer has over 10 years of experience supporting at-risk youth through trauma- informed care and crisis intervention. She’s passionate about building supportive, community-driven spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
RAISSA MADAMBA HYPE CENTER COORDINATOR Raissa blends a background in corporate banking with a deep commitment to social impact. She’s worked with marginalized communities and youth in the Philippines, focusing
BIANCA CERVANTES HYPE CENTER NAVIGATOR Bianca brings a strong background in workplace coordination and a deep commitment to community. Raised in the Bay Area with lived experience in systems involvement, she uses empathy and creativity to foster inclusive, supportive environments.
on education and systemic change.
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PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
CO-LOCATED DROP-IN
WORKSHOPS & GROUPS
REFERRALS
CONTRIBUTORS
Partner Accolades “Working with HYPE has been a great experience. Being in the space has allowed us to educate youth on naloxone and opioid use to which youth have been receptive! We appreciate the opportunity HYPE has given us to connect with the community. “
“Partnering with the HYPE Center has been super rewarding. It’s more than a service hub—it’s a space where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered. The collaborative spirit among HYPE staff and providers fosters a sense of belonging that many young people, especially those who've experienced foster care or housing instability, have long been denied. Together, we're building a community rooted in trust, dignity, and healing.” - David Torres, C-Change Clinician, WestCoast Children’s Clinic 8
- Makayla Scott, Community Care Coordinator, Safer Together
396 Total Youth Served in 2024 Alone
6,567
Total Youth Visits
4,100+
SERVICE VISITS
AVERAGING
10 VISITS PER YOUNG PERSON
Young people accessed a wide range of holistic supports, from housing to legal, mental health, education, and healing services through HYPE and our trusted partner providers.
SYSTEM- INVOLVED in foster care, AB12, or juvenile justice systems IDENTIFY AS LGBTQ+ finding safety, community, and support at HYPE
TRANSITIONAL AGE YOUTH Representing young people ages 18-24
66%
86%
IDENTIFY AS BIPOC Reflecting the youth
35%
80%
most impacted by systemic injustice
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Self-Sufficiency Matrix
Self Efficacy Survey
3.91
3.41
3.17
3.22
Number of Surveys - Quarterly
Number of Surveys - Quarterly
We know that consistent, trauma-informed support in a youth-centered environment drives measurable transformation. Using validated tools—the Self-Sufficiency Matrix (SSM) and our Self-Efficacy Survey (SES) we tracked growth over seven assessment rounds. Average SSM scores rose from 3.23 to 3.91, signaling improved housing stability, food security, and financial independence. These outcomes align with the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, underscoring basic needs as essential for lasting stability. SES scores, measuring self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills, steadily increased, culminating at 3.42. This growth aligns with research confirming that emotional healing, though nonlinear, is vital for long-term wellbeing and protection from exploitation. As youth strengthen their resilience and self-determination, their vulnerability decreases significantly. The SSM and SES tools serve as benchmarks of organizational accountability, directly linked to our mission of preventing commercial sexual exploitation. By measuring tangible life outcomes and emotional wellbeing, we ensure our interventions target root vulnerabilities, empowering youth toward lives grounded in safety, dignity, and choice. These results validate our model—not merely stabilizing youth, but transforming lives through sustained, survivor-led care grounded in healing, trust, and equity. 10
BASIC RESOURCES
At the HYPE Center, we believe healing begins with dignity and meeting basic needs. We offer essential resources including showers, laundry, a clothing boutique with hygiene and baby products ensuring youth have access to the fundamentals that empower them to take their next steps forward.
2,959 HYPE BASICS VISITS Young people accessed essential services like food, showers, laundry, clothing, and sleep, meeting their basic needs with care and dignity.
REAL STORIES
“Being able to shower with privacy renewed my self-worth and dignity!” - HYPE Member
“HYPE absolutely saved my life.” - Dexter M.
“HYPE is a place I can safely get food and the hygiene items I need” - HYPE Member
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HEALING MODALITIES
Our healing modalities include drop-in mental health counseling five days a week and wellness programming led by BIPOC practitioners. These providers use restorative practices, Indigenous healing, and culturally grounded methods to support somatic and emotional recovery. HEALING ACCESS youth engaged in mental health & Indigenous healing.
463 74%
FOODBOXES distributed to youth seeking nourishment and stability.
REAL IMPACT
“It has been such a gift for Sacred Roots to partner with HYPE in serving our most vulnerable youth in SF. We are a Black, Indigenous, Women of Color led organization that cultivated our collective wellness through indigenous ancestral healing modalities. From our biweekly sessions at HYPE, we have witnessed so much growth, healing, and brilliance from the youth. We saw them build community, let down their guards, be resourced through various herbal workshops and indigenous rituals/ceremonies, meditation practices, group and individual Asian energy healing sessions. HYPE offers a safe and welcoming container for youth to let down their guards, remember and honor their humanity despite the various challenges, and gain tools to become self sufficient.”
- Yu-Shuan Tarango, Founder, Sacred Roots
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Workforce development is a core part of our services. In partnership with local organizations, we support resume building, job readiness training, internships, and GED completion, equipping young people with tools to achieve financial independence.
66% 65%
ENGAGEMENT in job readiness, training and employment services SUPPORTED through HYPE Center housing partners
HOUSING NAVIGATION
“I couldn't (physically) get to Larkin so being able to speak to a housing rep at HYPE made everything so much easier to get into a shelter"
Housing remains one of our most accessed services. Through partners like LYRIC and Larkin Street Youth Services, we connect youth to the City’s TAY access points, helping them navigate housing systems and secure safe, stable places to call home. .
- HYPE Member
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SURVIVOR SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PILOT
“This program has helped me in so many ways, but especially in supporting me with my son. It is just the two of us, and without this support I would not be able to meet our basic needs like food and transportation, especially now that my AB12 is about to expire.” -- I.M. Age 20, turning 21
Freedom Forward is leading a pilot initiative to provide guaranteed income to transition- age youth (TAY) aging out of foster care who are survivors of, or at risk of, sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The program offers monthly financial support to help meet basic needs and reduce the risk of (re)exploitation.
$48,414 IN MINI GRANTS to Members $12,000 IN GUARANTEED INCOME to Survivors
SELF-DETERMINATION FUNDS
The Self-Determination Fund (SDF) is a $400 mini-grant for eligible HYPE Center members to support their goals, such as education, wellness, or job-related needs. In 2024 we granted over 120 SDF mini-grants prioritizing our system involved, unstably housed and survivor members.
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FAM is a new model of family-based foster care designed to meet the needs of youth experiencing or at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. FAM aims to create a new approach to family-based foster care that includes comprehensive training and support for caregivers, shared caregiving and flexible funding, with the goal to keep young people within their communities, connected with the people they love.
It's just been really beautiful to see when you give people the opportunity and the resources to step into that
Youth
opportunity and be successful, they will.
C
~FAM Partner Provider
e
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: Youth Stability (FAM)
8 Active FAMs 4 in Development
Youth placed with supportive caregivers Covered basic needs: housing, transportation, education Increased Support
Family therapy for youth & caregivers Caregiver training: UC Davis & Seneca Flexible funds for youth-specific needs
Financial & Legal Aid
1 youth receiving $500/month via SSIP Ongoing legal help: visas & work permits
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I AM JASMINE STRONG Launched by Freedom Forward, IAmJasmineStrong.com is a youth-designed platform created to educate and empower young people around issues of exploitation and healing. Jasmine’s animated story is a bold, relatable representation of resilience, supporting youth in navigating tough experiences and knowing they’re not alone. The website includes survivor-informed videos, stories, and tools that center youth voice, with resources on safety, healing, self-care, and how to support a friend. With over 42,000 views, Jasmine is reaching teens where they’re at—on their phones, online, and in the classroom.
Explore or share the free resources at: www.iamjasminestrong.com
886 2024 ANALYTICS
Website Visits
Video Views 2,000 Page Views
42,000
“Oakland Unified School District is using the 'I am Jasmine Strong' video as part of our 9th grade Sex Ed curriculum, Healthy Oakland Kids & Teens, in our lesson on Communication in Relationships. We love the video (which is why we are using it!) and we are grateful that it is available as a free resource!”
- Katie Kelly-Hankin, OUSD Health & Wellness Unit
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IMPACT STRATEGY Our 3-year Impact Strategy emphasizes creating safe and nurturing spaces, expanding meaningful relationships, and fostering youth participation in community solutions. Through robust youth-led programs and strategic partnerships, we've seen significant progress. Youth accessing our services report greater safety, strengthened connections, and increased empowerment. Simultaneously, our efforts are reshaping systemic responses, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring pathways for young voices to influence policies and practices citywide. We firmly believe that by providing a sanctuary—our HYPE Center—for San Francisco's youth, we spark a ripple effect. Each young person supported becomes part of a broader collective drive for change, actively disrupting the vulnerabilities that too often lead to exploitation. Together, we're not just offering immediate safety; we're catalyzing long-term empowerment and systemic transformation. Our commitment remains clear: to support youth to live with genuine agency and freedom, creating lasting impacts for our community and beyond.
Programs and Partnerships Committed, vetted partners are key and will prioritize the young people. They must experience value in partnership Youth Voice and Advocacy This is where we have the highest influence on outcomes. Outreach is critical to funneling more young people through the safe space or ensuring that they know about it/have access to it Safe Space
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ADVOCACY Getting the word out about the unique work that we do, and working with our supervisors, local city government, and philanthropic entities. We’re fulfilling our mission efforts by bringing together all the stakeholders we originally said we would—to advocate for the community and to advocate for systems change work.
SUSTAINMENT Sustainment is about embedding CSEC prevention into the City and County of San Francisco as a priority. This means long-term investment, citywide accountability, and ensuring that prevention and healing for exploited youth are treated as essential, not optional. 20
2024 FIN
ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Total Equity
$ 1,910,573
Total Liabilities
$ 56,206
Total Assets
$ 1,966,779
TOTAL SOURCES OF INCOME
FOUNDATION GRANTS $ 1,053,500
53%
43%
NET ASSETS
$358,128.15
2021 2022 2023 2024
$1,476,737.53
$1,444,857.72
$1,966,778.88
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NANCIALS
EXPENSES
Administration $ 349,327
Fundraising
$ 167,589
Programs
$ 946,814
GOVERNMENT GRANTS $874,606
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS $28,606
1%
Having worked closely with the Francesca and the Board at Freedom Forward, I've been consistently impressed by their commitment to ensuring every financial decision is made with the organization's mission and the funders' investment in mind. This annual report reflects that dedication and careful stewardship of resources.
- Chris Maxwell, Director of Client Services, Bicycle Accounting, Inc.
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SUPPORTERS Kelli Anderson Robin L Bailey Roberta Baron Lael Bellamy Jill Berrick Sunjeev Bery Kimberly Blattner Suzanne Brangham Laurie Hake Yvonne Hall Anne Hanson Julie Harkins Scott Harrington Ryan Hazelton Susan Hirsch
Helen Hilton Raiser Rachel Reichenbach Jean Ricci Vincent Ricci Martha Rosenblatt Emily Scott Donald Shobrys Teddi Silverman Karen Silverman Michael Silverman Susan Sladek Kelli Smith Lillian So Jennifer Sousae Lisa Spinali Grace Stayner Victoria Stollmeyer Pamela Story Joann Taijala Taavi Taijala Susan Tierney Paul Tierney Mini Timmaraju Tarrea Tolbert Ada Tsui Elizabeth Waring Marianna Warmee Jerry Weissman Lucie Weissman Jerry Weissman Amy Wendling Alia Whitney-Johnson Dana Williams Pamela Winston Patricia Langille Wynne Patricia Wynne Mike Yohay Lisa Yu Georgia Zocca
Kathryn Hobart Sandra Hobson Fred Hodgson Kathe Hodgson Ilyse G Hogue Emily Hooper Andrea Huff
Matt Brown Nancy Bruce Bruce W. Calvert Marjie Calvert Sarah Chandler John Chiatello B.J. Chimenti Norman Chimenti Brianne Claire Andrea Clatterbuck Lanier Coles Rie Collett Charles Collison Alheli Cuenca Adam Cummings Nicolas D'Arcy Amit Daryanani Seema Daryanani
Linda Kalinowski Hannah Kellogg David and Anita Keller Heather Kirkpatrick Sandra Larson Antonia Lavine Fred Levin Angel Li Nancy Livingston Fred Levingston Barbara Ludlum Melissa McKenzie Puppet Mills Dee Mosbacher Hope Moseley Aston Motes Elizabeth Nymberg Amanda Peiffer Thomas Perkins Alec Perkins Serena Perkins Julia Perkins Will Perkins JaMel Perkins Mauree Jane Perry
David Dolby Matt Dorsey Keith Ellison Monica Flores Bryn Forbes Donny Friend Janie Friend Ellie Galvez
Kevin Gardner Rodrigo Gava Fred and Annette Gellert Lisa Gerould Judith and Gary Grossman
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BanCal Bella Vista Foundation Benevity Bernstein Family Foundation Bernstein Foundation CA Arts Council Calvert Family Fund Chicago Community Foundation Christie's Real Estate 1% For Good
Perkins Hunter Foundation Perkins Revocable Trust PickFu Pinpoint Foundation
Ray and Dagmar Dolby Fund RHE Charitable Foundation Ross Stores, Inc San Francisco Education Fund San Francisco Foundation Silicon Valley Community Foundation - Keller Family Fund The Battery Foundation The Betsy Gordon Foundation The Daily Method
Clear Channel Outdoor COQUETA & HGN INC Dolby Family Ventures DOSW (SF Department on the Status of Women)
Dropbox Foundation Fenwick & West LLP
The JCKellogg Foundation Tierney Family Foundation Tipping Point Community Vadasz Family Foundation Walter & Elise Haas Possibility Grant Youth Villages
First Republic Gava Motion Gellert Family Foundation (LOI) Greater Houston Community Foundation Harry and Dorothy Perkins Fund Hellman Collaborative Hemlock Printers (USA), Inc. JaMel and Tom Perkins Family Foundation Fund Legacy Ventures Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation Lush LYRIC May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Microsoft Nathan Cummings Foundation National Council of Jewish Women
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Join Freedom Forward and the HYPE Center in creating a future where all youth thrive free from exploitation.
Your contributions, whether financial, in-kind, or through clothing donations, make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community.
Give at www.freedom-forward.org/support-us In-Kind Gifts Donations of new or gently used items for our HYPE Boutique Volunteer for events, tasks, or skill-based support.
Scan to get involved!
Freedom Forward
(415) 449-7373 info@freedom-forward.org
www.freedom-forward.org
hypecentersf
hype_415sf
(415) 525-4438
hypecenter@freedom-forward.org
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