Our Work
3 Programs. 1 Mission.
Free to Be works alongside schools and community partners to help youth:
- Build confidence and self-worth
- Strengthen decision-making and life skills
- Navigate digital pressure safely
- Feel connected and supported
We don’t add another task for educators.
We become part of the support system.
Free to Be offers three core programs:
1. Free to Be Workshops
2. Teen Innovators
3. Parent Resources
Why are we unique?
- We have a 35 year history with Sonoma County schools and teach directly in classrooms and youth serving sites.
- Our workshops are led by Free to Be experts, and not dependent on teachers learning additional curriculum.
- Through a peer-to-peer approach, Teen Innovators engage directly with younger students—reinforcing our mission and fostering open, real conversations.
“Prevention begins before crisis.”
“Connection changes outcomes.”
"The Free to Be Program is one that all upper grade students should have access to. The content, skills, and discussions that they have during these lessons are vital to their personal development, as well as their ability to navigate social situations. My teaching partner and I found these lessons to be so beneficial, that we asked for them to be extended so that our students could go deeper into the conversations. I could not recommend this program enough!" Sarah Peterson, Sequoia Elementary School
1. Workshops: My Life Curriculum©
Designed for youth in grades 5–12, Workshops are delivered in four sequential 50-minute sessions, directly in the classroom.
Free to Be’s curriculum is rooted in a strengths-based, positive youth development approach that helps students recognize their unique qualities, build confidence, and make healthy choices.
Rather than focusing on deficits, our lessons center on what’s already strong in young people — and give them practical tools to grow.
Our curriculum aligns with the core principles of Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), while staying true to our skills-based approach. Students build real-world skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and decision-making in ways that feel relevant, engaging, and age-appropriate.
All student activities are built using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring every student can participate and succeed. Students may write, discuss, create, or reflect — honoring different learning styles, abilities, and strengths.
Our curriculum is fully aligned with California State Health Education Standards and CASEL-aligned competencies (without SEL-specific language)
Our workshops are the heart of what we do — interactive, human, and grounded in real-life experiences.
2. Teen Innovators:
Teen Innovators are at the heart of our dynamic programs. These high school volunteers undergo training to guide and inspire 5th and 6th graders in the classroom at our workshops. By sharing their personal stories of overcoming challenges, building healthy friendships, handling bullying and cultivating empathy, they create a relatable and supportive environment. This peer-to-peer approach encourages younger students to reflect on their own growth while normalizing the struggles they face.
Concurrently, the Teen Innovators gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment through their role in helping others. They also receive various training opportunities to further empower them, including Teen Mental Health First Aid, public speaking workshops, and mentorship in local community-building projects. These experiences deepen their commitment to making a positive impact and building a positive future.
3. Parent Resources:
Free to Be has actively integrated families into their efforts with the introduction of Parent Resource Events. We provide interactive events designed to equip caregivers with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of raising youth today. These gatherings not only educate, but they also create a safe space for conversation and a sense of community to tackle modern parenting challenges together.
When youth thrive, families thrive, and brighter futures are created.
free to be builds confidence in Sonoma County youth,
empowering them to make healthy choices in today's ever-changing culture.