Our purpose

The Moment We're In

Young people today are facing unprecedented emotional strain. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24. Over the past decade, youth suicide rates have risen sharply, with Black youth experiencing the steepest increase, a 78 percent rise in suicide rates for Black girls alone.

Black and Brown girls are disproportionately impacted by this crisis, and the systems meant to support them are failing. In under-resourced schools, they face chronic stress, racialized trauma, and adultification. Their emotional needs are often misread as misbehavior, leading to punishment instead of care. Without consistent, identity-affirming support, many internalize their stress, withdraw, or act out often in silence.

We focus on prevention because our girls deserve better.

Why we focus on Black and Brown girls

We focus on Black and Brown girls, on purpose. Too often, they’re misunderstood in schools, exposed to chronic stress, and left without access to healing spaces or mentors who reflect them. We exist to change that.

Our programs create joyful, culturally affirming spaces where girls build emotional confidence, self-awareness, and community, before crisis hits. This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about restoration. When we invest in Black and Brown girls, we spark ripple effects that strengthen families, schools, and entire communities.

Backed by Research

Research shows that self-regulation in childhood is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success, even more than IQ. When students build emotional regulation skills early, they’re more likely to focus in class, form strong relationships, and avoid risky behavior later in life.

For Black and Brown girls, the stakes are even higher. They’re disproportionately disciplined for emotional expression and often lack access to affirming spaces that reflect their identity and experiences. That’s why our programs are healing-centered, culturally responsive, and intentionally designed to meet girls before crisis hits.

We don’t stop at implementation. We continuously improve. We actively listen to feedback from our program partners, families, and the girls themselves to strengthen what we offer and ensure every session makes a meaningful impact.

Zooming into Self-regulation

When girls build self-regulation skills, they:
💓 Strengthen emotional intelligence
💓 Improve self-control and decision-making
💓 Build healthier relationships with peers and adults
💓 Experience fewer behavioral challenges
💓 Feel more confident and in charge of themselves

Self-regulation is the foundation for learning, leadership, and long-term well-being.

What makes Life I Love different

At Life I Love School, we design healing-centered programs that help Black and Brown girls build emotional confidence, starting early, and led by people they trust.

We focus on self-regulation
Our programs help girls understand what they’re feeling, manage stress, and respond with intention. These skills build emotional health and strengthen school connection.
We place trained Wellness Coaches in schools
Our coaches are trained, proximate adults who reflect the lived experience of the girls they serve. Through weekly healing circles, creative activities, and one-on-one support, they build meaningful relationships that support emotional growth.
We center Black and Brown girls, on purpose
Everything we design, from curriculum to coaching, is culturally grounded and identity-affirming. Our girls don’t have to shrink, explain, or prove themselves to be supported.
We prevent, not punish
We reach girls before crisis. By teaching practical wellness tools early, we reduce stress, strengthen coping, and prevent challenges from escalating.
We bring families into the work
Caregivers receive take-home tools and are invited into workshops, because emotional health starts at home and grows through connection.
We make wellness joyful
Girls learn through movement, music, nature, art, and storytelling because healing should feel good, and joy is part of the work.
Our Value in Oakland
Life I Love is rooted in Oakland, and we know what our girls need because we’re part of the communities they come from.