Just As I Am YOUth Empowerment

JAIA Just As I AM YOUth Empowerment, JAIA is a personal development and leadership program for teens and young adults ages 16-21. We co-create with youth to build healthier communities by promoting mindfulness, mental health literacy, and moral/ethical development. "JAIA YOUth" was founded in 2010, by Gena C. Jefferson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Educator and ordained Interfaith Minister with more than 20 years of experience working with youth and families.

Our mission: Our mission is to partner and co-create with youth in order to promote mindful, healthy and safe communities through transformative personal and leadership development

Our vision: Our Vision is to develop conscious, confident leaders nationally and globally through youth led and adult guided programming created by youth in NYC. JAIA imagines a world where youth voices are valued and included for the advancement of healthier communities.