About
we take the bullied to Brave
Today’s youth are under pressure.
Now more than ever — in schools, in our communities, and online — kids are struggling with bullying, intolerance, emotional distress, identity issues, self-loathing, and self-harm.
And the consequences are devastating.
- 1 in 3 children report they’ve been bullied at school — and 30% admit to bullying others.
- Over the last decade, the number of youth experiencing mental health disorders has more than doubled — but only 20% of those affected are getting help.
- Suicide rates for teens and young adults have reached an unprecedented high — suicide is now a leading cause of death for people age 10 to 24.
- Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers — transgender youth, nearly 12 times as likely.
Enough is enough. We can’t afford to lose any more lives to this senseless epidemic.
We believe there’s a common factor behind each of these issues: low self-esteem, or the lack of self-love. Our youth need to know they are unique, they are valuable, and they are not alone. That’s why, in 2011, we created Free2Luv®.Free2Luv is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, uplifting, and saving the lives of youth through the arts.
Through music, art, film, theater, dance, storytelling, and social media — the languages of youth — we’re raising awareness, starting conversations, and healing minds and hearts. We mentor youth advocates, provide platforms for story-sharing, and send empowerment packages to youth in crisis. We provide the safe spaces and tools needed for creative self-expression, to celebrate individuality and acceptance, and transform pain into power.
Our name reflects our ethos. Free2Luv means loving yourself first, so that you can be free to love others — and free to love whoever you desire.
We empower youth to raise their voices in compassion and love. That’s what truly sets us apart. We invite you to join us in creating a braver, kinder, and more loving world for all.
Founders, Tonya & Kym
Saving Lives Through the Arts
Meet Our Celebrity Partners
Beautiful inside and out, our Ambassadors are passionate about celebrating individuality and everyone’s freedom to love, as well as ending bullying. Our ambassadors are sharing their voice, talent and mad art skills to spread love and end hate.
Charisma Carpenter
Jonathan Davis
Mayim Bialik
Lisa Kudrow
Jeri Ryan
Jason Drucker
Stephanie Rice
Fran Drescher
Tea Leoni
Challen Cates
Laya DeLeon Hayes
Tom Arnold
Alex Angelo
Luciana
Bianca Kajlich
Carmen Electra
Matt Sarafa
Bianca Lawson
Ddendyl Hoyt
Anna Todd
Gabriela
Gabrielle Christian
Vanessa Hudgens
Lio Tipton
Stephanie Gonzalez
ED HALE
Gabrielle Anwar
Gregory Zarian
Audra McLaughlin
Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters
ScarlettF
Client Served
5/5
Three years ago, I reached out to Free2Luv when my daughter was struggling with bullying at her school. Since then, they have helped her share their programming with her school and she has become a Youth Advocate for their organization. It’s been such a joy to see her confidence grow. She is truly a different person. She now shares their message of kindness and bullying prevention throughout her community and is touching the lives of her peers in a really positive way. I have watched Free2Luv improve my family’s life and touch the lives of many others. It’s so important that we support organizations like Free2Luv and do our part to make the world a better place for all children.
Avery Lana Art
Professional with expertise in this field
5/5
I am happy to volunteer for this nonprofit and share my creative services. I have designed logos for Free2Luv as well as designed 2 t-shirts for their cause inspired line where the proceeds support their outreach for kids everywhere. I recently designed the logo and t-shirt for their Unstoppable benefit event. I’m so happy to know that kids going through a difficult time have a safe place like Free2Luv they can call home. Whether a kid is struggling with who they are, bullying, or just life, Free2Luv is there for them. They are truly changing and saving lives and I’m so proud of everything they do.
Carolyn S.4
Professional with expertise in this field
5/5
I had the pleasure of working with Free2Luv last year as a grant researcher and writer. I was moved by their commitment, hard work, and professionalism in improving the lives of disadvantaged youth everywhere, whether it’s fighting bullying, helping them to increase self-esteem, developing their communication and job skills, or encouraging them to accept and embrace their individuality. Through workshops like Free2BeMe and Rock Kindness, Kym and Tonya have put their cause to work, getting measurable results and achieving their goal of helping to make the world a braver, kinder place.
MikesShack
General Member of the Public
5/5
In a word, Free2Luv rocks! They have such a hip, fresh approach to addressing a problem that’s unfortunately been around forever and is now an epidemic. I can’t think of a better way to really reach kids than through music, art and social media. Their message is ‘bullying is never ok’ and spreading love and kindness is the best option. Couldn’t agree more. Thanks Free2Luv.
CrisPJ
Client Served
5/5
I want to thank Free2Luv for everything they have done for my family. Our teen was experiencing extreme bullying which led to depression and a very dark and lonely place. We were referred to Free2Luv through a family friend and their support has been life-saving for us. Their message that every child, every person is unique and special and should be celebrated for who they are came at the right time. They were able to share their programs with our son’s school and the results have been astounding. We are happy to support this amazing nonprofit to make sure other kids in need are helped and supported. Words can’t express our heartfelt gratitude.
Michael_Scotten
Volunteer
5/5
I had the great honor of organizing and working with this incredible organization. The event I attended was a college event for National coming out day. The response from Free2Luv was awesome 3 lovely people accompanied me on this journey for the day. The level of professionalism was next to none. Welcoming people with cheerful greetings and genuine interest in peoples lives. I sat in awe as people felt the need to open up to us, it was definitely a safe place to be who you are. it was a very fulfilling event for me and it changed the way I saw the world. The representatives from Free2Luv are so awesome and they are so welcoming. I am honestly honored to be part of an organization this dedicated and passionate.