WHAT WE DO

Promoting brighter futures for at risk Bay Area youth.

About Us

Project Avary improves life outcomes for children with parents in prison. Children with incarcerated parents are highly at-risk youth who, through no fault of their own, face daunting life challenges. Long-term guidance and training helps children develop emotional, social, and life skills that are essential for growing into healthy young adults. 

History of the Organization

Founded in 1999 Project Avary was one of the first nonprofit organizations in the nation dedicated to improving life outcomes among children with parents in prison. During its brief history, over 400 Bay Area children have participated in a long-term, continuum of support that includes enrichment, outdoor education, and psycho-social support for children, leadership and life skills training for teens, and valuable support for caregivers. 

The Need for Avary

Research tells us that children whose parents have been or are currently in prison:

• May show signs of depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder
• Are at higher risk for drug and alcohol addiction and teen parenthood
• Are more likely to end up in juvenile detention than their peers
• Can be angry and distrustful of adults
• Often experience abuse and/or neglect
• Struggle in school

"Avary is just the perfect, perfect, perfect place to be!"

- Avary Teen

Children join the Avary community during elementary school and are encouraged to remain involved into young adulthood. Project Avary is a regional organization, serving young people throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.