Ready to Grow Your Business?

Join the Bridging Opportunities Initiative through OEDIT’s Partner Outreach Program (POP) and get access to capital, expert guidance, and technical support tailored for small businesses in underserved communities.

Unlock your potential today!

Case For Support

Introduction

Empowering Women and Youth for a Better Future

At Wezesha Dada Center (WDC), we recognize that women, particularly women of color, immigrants, LGBTQ2+ individuals, and those from low-income households, face unique and persistent barriers to safety, self-determination, and economic empowerment. These challenges are magnified for those who experience violence, financial insecurity, and systemic inequities, leaving them trapped in cycles that are difficult to break.

Why We Exist

WDC exists to challenge these barriers and help women and youth achieve safety, equity, and self-determination. Our programs are designed to break the cycles of violence and financial insecurity by empowering women and youth to build their own agency, prosperity, and well-being. Based in Denver, Colorado, we offer comprehensive economic development programs, community investments, and wellness support to help women and youth thrive.

Research shows that violence against women is deeply connected to economic instability and lack of social support. For example, domestic violence is the leading cause of death for Black women aged 15-35. Women of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ2+ individuals face even higher risks due to systemic racism, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. By addressing these systemic barriers, WDC seeks to create lasting change.

Our Approach

WDC’s theory of change is centered on advancing individual well-being, economic empowerment, and systems-level transformation. To achieve this, we focus on three critical areas:

Individual Well-Being:

We provide holistic support to help women and youth overcome the challenges of violence, mental health issues, and systemic inequities. Our programs foster emotional, mental, and physical well-being through resources and interventions that prioritize safety and empowerment.

Economic Empowerment:

WDC empowers women and youth by helping them build their own wealth through entrepreneurship and workforce development. Our participants gain the skills to start businesses, navigate the job market, and achieve long-term financial independence, breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Systems-Level Change:

We work to address the root causes of wealth disparities through advocacy and collaboration with influential organizations. WDC is dedicated to creating policies that support the self-determination of marginalized groups and dismantling systemic barriers.

The Impact We Make

WDC is already transforming lives in Denver communities through our innovative programs. Our Empowering Youth program, based on evidence-based models like Girls Inc.’s Project Bold, teaches young women how to navigate unsafe situations, build confidence, and develop skills for long-term success. Our entrepreneurship initiatives, such as The Sugary Stop, provide participants with hands-on experience running a business, fostering both financial independence and emotional well-being.

We also collaborate with other organizations to expand opportunities for marginalized women and youth, such as our partnerships with the Aurora Economic Opportunity Center and Opportunity Now, which provide new Americans and asylum seekers the support they need to enter the workforce.

Why Your Support Matters

To continue and expand our work, WDC relies on the generosity of donors, partners, and grants. Your support will help us:

– Develop a year-round Empowering Youth program to serve Denver-area youth during the school year.
– Build our organizational capacity by expanding our leadership team and creating more program management positions.
– Advocate for systemic change, including policies that empower women and youth to build wealth and achieve financial security.1

Join Us Today!

Join us at Wezesha Dada Center and be part of a movement dedicated to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.

512

Successfull Projects Launched

10,000+

In funds anually dedicated to empowering youth

1520+

Annual hours dedicated to coaching & consulting

25+

Years of experience working with youth

Scroll to Top