Our mission is to empower youth from refugee, immigrant, New American, and culturally diverse communities to rise into leaders and change-makers through educational programming, holistic support, leadership training, and community advocacy. Project STORY youth face significant vulnerability due to factors affecting their safety, well-being, and development. Many experienced trauma from war, genocide, and resettlement in refugee camps, disrupting their education and causing emotional and social challenges. Cultural assimilation issues and systemic racism lead to exclusion and discrimination, and limited English skills hinder access to education and services. Many also live below the poverty threshold with limited access to transportation, food, and safe community spaces.For the youth we serve, our city has barriers to opportunities, and limited services and opportunities for culturally diverse youth. We provide new strategies for making programs and services safe and accessible to our participants, while providing guidance, education, and advocacy to empower and support them. We help ensure youth access to safe and supportive environments, education, food security, holistic activities, leadership training, transportation, and services to overcome systemic barriers. They experience academic growth, emotional support, and leadership development, to help ensure success in school and life, breaking the cycle of poverty and systemic inequities they face.