About JTYPL
JTYPL's mission is to alleviate the conditions that causes poverty through the development and implementation of sustainable initiatives, and campaigns that educate, empower, and equip communities recover from the effects of poverty. We accomplish our goal by providing economic opportunities, educational information, essential training, supportive resources, and advocate for policy decisions around the issues that impede communities, especially women and young people, across the world from recovering from the effects of poverty.
Our Work
Empowering individuals are at the heart of JTYPL’s community-based efforts to improve the conditions that allow poverty grow. We address abuse; raise awareness on how climate change disproportionately impacts impoverished communities; provide access to healthcare, hunger and nutrition resources; fight for gender equality; and provide wealth management trainings geared to prepare individuals for financial freedom.
Taking Action
At JTYPL, our top priority and goal is the improvement of the community in which we reside. Years of experience have taught us that all it takes is one small change to make a big impact. Learn more about the causes we’re passionate about.
Local Initatives
Youth Making a Difference
At JTYPL, we believe that every young person has a unique path to realizing their full potential. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs—and they deserve the tools and support to thrive.
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Youth Making a Difference is a dynamic series of personal and professional development trainings, mentorship opportunities, and educational support designed to equip adolescents and young adults with the skills, networks, and confidence they need to pursue their dreams. Whether they aspire to launch a business, shape public policy, create art, or explore STEM careers, this program helps youth build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
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We proudly partner with community-based organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations nationwide to deliver engaging workshops and real-world learning experiences in key areas such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Science & Technology, Policy & Government, Arts & Culture, and Sports & Health.
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Recognizing the critical role of education in social mobility, we also support youth in exploring advanced education options—including college readiness, vocational training, and scholarship resources—to ensure they have access to the tools that open doors to opportunity.
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The video above highlights one of our proudest moments—our inaugural Youth Golf Clinic—which combines skill-building, mentorship, networking skills, and fun to inspire confidence and community among young people.
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Together, we are preparing the next generation to lead with purpose, passion, and resilience. ​​​
Project Empowerment
At JTYPL, we believe that ending poverty requires more than temporary solutions—it demands a clear understanding and implementation of the "preconditions for prosperity". Central to those preconditions is a strong educational foundation, encompassing both academic and social development.
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Project Empowerment is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to achieve long-term economic stability. Through a range of targeted workshops and trainings, participants gain essential skills in workforce readiness, professional development, and personal growth.
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In collaboration with corporate partners, JTYPL bridges the gap between education and employment by creating pathways to job placement and hands-on work experience. To date, we have successfully facilitated over 100 job placements for individuals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and Baltimore, Maryland—connecting them with local businesses committed to inclusive economic growth.
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By investing in human potential, Project Empowerment helps communities move beyond poverty and toward a sustainable future of independence, dignity, and opportunity.​​​
National Campaigns
Stop the Abuse Campaign
The Stop the Abuse Campaign is a national awareness and prevention movement aimed at addressing the growing epidemic of teen dating violence. Our mission is to educate young people on the warning signs of intimate partner abuse and equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to foster healthy, respectful relationships.
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This campaign brings together a coalition of concerned citizens, community organizations, educators, and government agencies united in the commitment to empower youth and prevent victimization. Through open dialogue, we challenge harmful behaviors and cultural norms—creating safe spaces for honest conversations about love, respect, boundaries, and emotional well-being.
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By blending creative expression with evidence-based practices, the campaign uses art, storytelling, and multimedia to connect with youth in meaningful and relatable ways. Our programs emphasize self-awareness, personal agency, and the power of choice, helping teens explore what healthy relationships look like in today’s world.
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We also offer specialized workshops that examine the link between domestic abuse and modern dating culture, including the risks and realities associated with hookup culture. These sessions promote critical thinking, self-respect, and community accountability, ensuring that young people have the tools to make informed decisions in their relationships.
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To learn more or to bring a workshop to your school or organization, [click here].
International Initiatives
Mission for Africa
Mission for Africa envisions a world where individuals with special needs and those living with HIV have access to critical medical care and can lead happy, fulfilling lives with dignity and respect. Our mission is to deliver essential health services to some of the most marginalized and underserved populations, particularly individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
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In Tanzania and many other developing countries, disabilities are often stigmatized, viewed as a burden, or even considered a curse. Children with disabilities are frequently marginalized—discarded, disregarded, and denied the care and compassion every human being deserves. They are often excluded from healthcare services, as families prioritize the needs of able-bodied children who are perceived to have more potential to contribute economically.
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As a result, many families lack the knowledge, resources, and support systems to care for children with special needs. Far too often, these children are denied even their most basic rights. Many do not survive beyond the age of five. Those who do often live in silence and isolation, without access to medical attention, community support, or a voice to advocate for their needs.
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Mission for Africa works to change that reality by providing direct medical care, raising awareness, and promoting inclusive healthcare systems that value every life. Through our outreach and partnerships, we aim to give these individuals not only access to vital services—but the chance to thrive.
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T.E.A.C.H. Initiative
(Training, Education, Advocacy, Compassion, and Humanitarianism)
The TEACH Initiative is JTYPL’s long-term strategy for creating sustainable solutions to poverty in Africa. While providing immediate relief—such as delivering medical supplies and care to remote villages and individuals with special needs—remains a vital part of our mission, we recognize that lasting change must address the systemic root causes of poverty.
Research consistently shows that the lack of economic opportunity, workforce development, and basic education is at the heart of generational poverty. Through the TEACH Initiative, JTYPL integrates proven strategies that focus on building local capacity, strengthening educational infrastructure, and empowering communities to drive their own development.
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Our efforts include funding essential infrastructure, such as the construction of a new sanitation system in Tanzania, and seed funding for the development of a girls' school—made possible through the generosity of a dedicated advisory board member. JTYPL has pledged ongoing support for the school through continued financial assistance, educational resources, vocational training, access to microcredit, and technology integration.
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The TEACH Initiative reflects our core belief that true transformation begins with investment in people. By equipping communities with the tools to educate, train, and uplift their own members, we help lay the groundwork for a more just and prosperous future.
Help Us Change the World
Make an Impact
We wouldn’t be able to run JTYPL without the generous contributions from donors across the globe. Your support has the power to immediately make a difference in someone’s life. All of your support goes towards making a difference, so every penny counts. We look forward to working together and changing the world.
JTYPL Hosted Events
Youth Golf Clinic & Fundraiser
Date: TBD
You are invited to Journey to Your Promised Land’s (JTYPL) Annual Golf Clinic & Fundraiser. This event is usually held during the Summer/Fall every year. JTYPL’s core focus is to educate, equip and empower women and youth. Join us as we bring awareness to these issues while enjoying a little golf and networking. Information to come stay tuned.
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Partnering Events
TEDxUStreet Events
Dates: November 3, 2025
JTYPL is the fiscal agent & partner for all TEDxUStreetWomen & TEDxUStreet Live events. TEDxUStreet are local TEDx events celebrating the U Street Corridor community. Known as Washington’s cultural center at the turn of the century, U Street has long been a backbone of the city’s homegrown jazz, arts, and civil rights movements. Once bearing the scars of riots and protests, today it has regained its rightful place as the street to showcase DC’s vibrant cultural life, from music and food to activism and art. U Street has historically brought Washingtonians together to the sound of its homegrown music, from jazz and blues to rock and go-go.
Today its renovated clubs, new restaurants and shops are once again the center of DC’s humming nightlife. U Street is home for those who want to march to their own beat. U Street is both historic and colorful, boasting some of the richest culture of the city and full of bars, restaurants, and boutiques – as well as plenty of DC locals who come to enjoy the culture and the people-watching.
TEDxUStreetWomens mantra is Bold + Brilliant = Badass. What do we mean when we say, Bold + Brilliant = Badass? To be Bold, means you are willing to speak out for the issues that mean the most to you. To be Brilliant, means you have the experience, knowledge, and passion needed to advocate for your idea. When you combine Bold + Brilliant, the result = a Badass. Being a Badass means that, despite your fear, any potential backlash/criticism, or how unpopular your idea maybe to some, you will still push forward to share your truth.
Are you ready to be a part of a network and connect with individuals who are Bold, Brilliant and Badass?
TEDxUStreetSalon Events
Dates: June, September, 2025 and February 2026
JTYPL is currently a partner for the TEDxUStreetSalon events. TEDxUStreetSalon is a local, independently organized event to be to be held in Washington DC. We want this to be an event that strives to recreate the unique experience found at TED, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers congregate to share what they are most passionate about. At its core, the fundamental goal of TED and TEDxUStreetSalon is to foster and spread great ideas. We aim to provide a platform where the smartest thinkers, greatest visionaries, and most fascinating teachers will be inspired and will have the opportunity to inspire others.
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The organizers of the event decided to expand the TEDxUStreet brand because I recognized that I was missing a critical market audience – men. The TEDxUStreetWomen conference is the signature event of the TEDxUStreet brand. TedxUStreetSalon events provide additional value to the brand by having several smaller events before and after the TEDxUStreetWomen conference. These events do not to replace each other but complement each other. TEDxSalons are designed to be small but impactful. A critical element of salon is lively discussions, allowing attendees to actively participate in the event. With much smaller audiences, salons bring attendees together in more intimate spaces, and with more chances to get know and exchange ideas with each
other.
Racism & Gender Discussions
Virtual Discussions
2020 has been a tumultuous year with the pandemic and racial unrest. After the murder of George Floyd, a lot of people wondered what they could do to make a difference and stand with many Black and Brown women who are affect by racism and racist acts. JTYPL decided to partner with the Association of University of Women (AAUW) Washington DC branch to host monthly virtual conversations around what individuals can do to stand against racism while understanding the unique struggles of Black women.
The title of the series is Racism and Gender: Exploring the Relationship Between Black and White Women. The format was 90-minute lunch and learn with a short TED Talk, Q&A, Polling, and panel and audience discussion. The following were the episode titles:
Episode 1: Be Color Brave: Addressing the Uncomfortable Conversation About Race;
Episode 2: Intersectionality: Living as a Black Woman;
Episode 3: Stereotypes: How Stereotypes Shape How We Interact With Each Other - "The Angry Black Women & the Karen;
Episode 5: Activism: Working Together for Gender Equality:
Episode 6: TEDxUStreetWomen Conference, Bold + Brilliant = Badass: Now What - Virtual Conference. Check out the link below to watch the discussions.
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See For Yourself
Our Gallery
JTYPL’s vision is to transcend the exploitation of women and youth throughout the world. We hope for a world where everyone is treated equally. We hope for a world where our children won’t have to wake up hungry. We hope for a world where our communities aren’t plagued with unemployment and despair. We hope for a world where poverty is eradicated.
"Our environment greatly influences our ability to dream and believe in ourselves. Individuals who have been deprived of nurturing resources such as basic education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and community support have difficulty setting long-term goals and finding the willpower to reach them. "
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-- Kim Webster, President & CEO
Contact JTYPL
Get in touch with JTYPL to learn more about our work and find out how to donate. We appreciate your support!