CHOOSE Freedom

Together, we’re Healing toward justice

CHOOSE Freedom is a community-based approach to violence prevention and healing as well as reentry from incarceration.

The traumas of incarceration and violence severely impact young people in our community. We believe in a restorative approach to healing and preventing future harm. Instead of perpetuating the cycle of violence and punishment, we can heal and form a stronger community.

Our team, led by people with lived experience, holds group sessions both in detention facilities and in community (via Zoom) to build relationships, learn from each other, and heal from trauma.

  • Goal setting

  • Identifying personal strengths

  • Alternatives to retaliation 

The groups (both youth and young adults) meet for 14 weeks to discuss topics such as:

  • Accountability

  • Trauma recovery

Eligibility: Anyone age 12-24 in King County who has been impacted by incarceration and/or gun violence can participate.

How to sign up: To get involved, please fill out the Community Referral Form and check the box for CHOOSE Freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the cohort work?

Our online cohorts meet once a week via Zoom for 14 weeks. We hold two groups weekly:

  • One for youth (12-17) on Thursdays at 5:00 pm

  • Young adults (18-24) on Tuesdays at 5:00 pm

Will I be compensated for my participation?

Absolutely, we offer gift cards to our participants for the work they complete! Participants who complete the Compass Journal workshop will receive a gift card for $150, along with $50 per session when they’ve submitted their pre-session survey.

At the end of the 14-week cohort, participants will be sent a post-session survey, and once that survey is submitted they will receive their last $50 gift card payment for graduating the program.

How long is a session?

Sessions are usually 1.5 hours on weekday evenings starting at 5:00 pm.

What is expected of me?

The main expectation is that you are fully engaged during the Zoom session by having your camera on and unmuting to participate in the conversation. Ideally, join from a setting where there are few distractions.