Freedom4U is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating life skills, leadership abilities and creativity in teenagers in the South Bay and Harbor Area of Los Angeles. Freedom4U strives to reduce risky behaviors in youth by providing creative, substance-free gatherings and purpose-driven volunteer missions.
In 2002, founder and director Greg Allen, a Palos Verdes-based family therapist, wanted to do something about the growing reports of underage house parties and substance abuse. After surveying local teens, Allen found that their top priorities were hanging out with their friends, as well as music and art. And so Freedom4U was born, with the intention of providing a fun, safe platform for youth to gather and express their creativity.
With programming such as annual film/photography/art contests, live music showcases, leadership service field trips and career workshops, Freedom4U aims to cultivate youth engagement and encourage them to discover passions and foster meaningful connections. Freedom4U also leads drug prevention seminars for parents and their children and partners with some 20 local schools to provide group therapy.
