WE TRANSFORM PAIN INTO POWER

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®.

Tonya Sandis giving a hug to boys and girls

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

Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Professional with expertise in this field
Pinnacle Community Services
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My agency has a strategic focus on at-risk populations, and the Express It journals have become an integral part of allowing us to expand conversations with members about some of their thoughts, feelings and sometimes fears that they otherwise would not be able to comfortably articulate. This has opened up pathways to recovery and future successes. We have viewed it as a plan of care, with pictures. Thanks to Free2Luv we are seeing break throughs and progress like never before.
Volunteer
Kelly C
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After spending time volunteering with Free2Luv as a grant writer, I can’t say enough good things about them. Tonya and Kym’s dedication to the young people they serve is inspiring. They work tirelessly to make sure that their programs are the very best they can be—from finding experts to help develop new programs (like EXPRESS IT!) to involving their youth mentors in the creation of workshops and the EXPRESS IT! book--so that they will have the biggest impact on everyone who attends a workshop or concert or embraces their workbook. They are champions of LUV and healing.
Donor
musicismylife
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I've been a supporter and fan of Free2Luv for several years now and I will be for life! This organization really speaks to kids where they're at and offers them the support they need in a creative way - through art and music. Mental health is so important right now and the arts are a powerful tool to heal and empower anyone going through a hard time. When you're a teen, it means so much to know someone cares and will listen without judgment. I know the safe spaces Free2Luv creates are changing lives. And I'm so happy our youth have them. Thanks for existing, Free2Luv!!
Client Served
CrisPJ
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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.
General Member of the Public
MikesShack
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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.
Volunteer
Michael_Scotten
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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.
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