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Meet The Team Behind: Project Libertad

Project Libertad works hand-in-hand with newcomer immigrant youth and their families, providing free legal and social services that are tailored to their unique needs. By focusing on empowerment, inclusion, justice, and community, Project Libertad is changing the lives of young immigrants. Learn more about their work here

How did Project Libertad get started?


Project Libertad was founded in 2015 by Rachel Rutter, a dedicated advocate for immigrant youth who launched the organization in response to the growing need for targeted support and resources for youth. Since its inception, Project Libertad has grown exponentially, providing legal and social services to hundreds of young people and their families. We’ve received recognition for our innovative approach and commitment to empowering immigrant youth. Today, we continue to build on our history, expanding our services and deepening our impact in the lives of those we serve. 


What kind of services do you provide? 


We envision a world where all newcomer immigrant youth have access to the legal services, social services, academic support, and leadership opportunities needed to thrive. We take a holistic approach to supporting our youth, providing a range of services that are youth-led and youth-centered. We provide free legal representation for immigrant youth and provide direct case management services. Last year, we launched a bilingual therapy program that matches immigrant youth with therapists who speak their native language and provides youth with therapy free of charge. 


Can you tell me about some of your unique programs?


The Know Your Rights project is dedicated to equipping newcomer immigrant youth in the Greater Philadelphia Area with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their families from deportation. RISE, Refugee and Immigrant Students Excelling, empowers girls in the Phoenixville Area School District by investing in the potential of immigrant and refugee students. Jovenes Fuertes is a social-emotional learning program designed for Latinx newcomer youth in schools, and we offer an adult ESL program for adult English learners to improve their conversation skills. 


What is the scope of your impact? 


In the last year, we delivered free legal representation to 91 immigrant youth in 139 immigration legal cases. Our summer camp, called the Summer Newcomer Support Program, achieved unprecedented success by serving 50 students. We had exciting and informative speaker series, including county leaders educating our newcomers about sexual health and consent. We continue to forge new partnerships with school districts around Pennsylvania, furthering our mission to help immigrant youth and their families. Our global footprint has expanded to serve youth from countries around the world, including Nicaragua, Ukraine, Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, China, and more.


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