Recognizing ableism in youth culture is vital for fostering inclusivity and respect for individual youth with disabilities. Ableism, based on assumptions about abilities, can lead to exclusion and discrimination. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures, youth can help create a culture that values everyone's abilities and contributions, regardless of their ability. How does it show up?

During April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s a great time to review how we can help youth navigate healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries.

Black History Month celebrates and honors the achievements of Black people, and is a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It’s also a time to honor and celebrate Black girls who make invaluable contributions to their communities. Empowered girls change their world, and the whole world too.

We can’t avoid the constant influence of body image ideals we see in media, but we can be aware of them and remind ourselves that all bodies are valuable. Check out these 10 reminders that your body is great no matter what society defines as “ideal.”

During the winter season and the diverse holidays many of us celebrate, it can be easy to focus on all the stresses and expectations. It’s okay to acknowledge our feelings. But they can also be an invitation to see and experience joy and comfort - whether reliving family tradition, or defining new ways to feel comfort, togetherness, and joy.

Gift Ideas for the Teens & Tweens in Your Life

Fatemeh Fakhraie has been named the new president of the Ophelia’s Place Board of Directors. She first joined the board in 2020 and will serve in the role for two years.

Navigating device usage can feel like a never-ending argument. It can be hard to set boundaries and disconnect from devices now that both you and your kids are using technology more frequently.

Ah puberty – a time of change, self-discovery, and exploration. Also a time of feeling vulnerable, confused, and embarrassed for both youth and the adults in their lives. Parents, here are 9 habits you can lean into as you begin and continue having puberty talks with your teens.

More often than expected, we hear adults and parents of young people who are exploring their identity say, “It’s just a phase.”

The phase is learning, the phase is identity exploration, the phase is finding out what fits. It serves a purpose while youth grow up.

We hear about it all the time, but let’s take a second to get back to basics about self-care.

Being a young person in school can get extremely challenging when dealing with bullying and other aggressive behaviors from peers. As an adult ally, learn more about how you can recognize aggressive behaviors and how to support youth who are targets.

After 15 years of leadership and girl empowerment, Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews is passing the leadership baton to OP’s vice president of programs and licensed professional counselor, Laura Sanchez. Sanchez will take over as executive director on Nov. 1.

Tracy Berry of McKenzie River Broadcasting shares the great news that Ophelia's Place has opened a downtown location in Albany Oregon, expanding OP's empowerment services. Let’s listen.

On the corner of Fourth Avenue and Lyons Street in downtown Albany, Ophelia’s Place waits patiently to welcome youth girls, now, less than a week away.

Listening, learning with, and talking about access to health services with your young person is more important than ever. How can you tackle this important conversation? Here's some guidance to get started.