Today’s generation seeks to create a better world with less hatred and violence.

Creating a sense of iniciative in teengers to dream up towards a better world.

The Center Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV) at El Paso, Texas  provides confidential assistance and hope to families in need.

CASFV has developed opportunities in order to get teenagers involved in their agency, and spread violence awareness towards their community.

Due to this ideal, they created a primary prevention program called EmpOURment Project, that allows teenagers to give their perspective about sexual, family, and teen-dating violence.

The project began in 2019, where several Loretto girls decided to get involved.

Junior Amia Barrio, senior Barbara Castillo, senior Alexa Carranco, and senior Isabela Baca, are currently youth advocates from the EmpOURment Project.

Castillo said, “The EmpOurment project is focused on empowering teens by giving them the knowledge they’ll need for the future.

“I love the fact that we are empowering teens with knowledge.”

Despite the similarity the girls have towards a passion to prevent violence, they all joined at different times.

Carranco said, “I first got involved with the EmpOURment Project last summer during the beginning of the pandemic.

“ I remember the presentations CASFV presented to our theology classes, they made me realize how relevant sexual violence is amongst teens and I wanted to help educate my fellow teens on ways to stay safe while empowering them as well.”

In difference to Carranco joining in the summer of 2020, Castillo and Baca began being part of this project in February 2020, as they attended a youth panel “Leading with Hope” along with district attorney Jaime Esparza.

As the school year 2020-2021 progressed and school clubs got back in pace, Barrio decided to join the project.

“I got involved with the EmpOURment Project late last year, a message was put out in the HOPE Club group chat by Alexa and I decided that I wanted to join this organization because it sounded like a very meaningful organization, and it turned out to be that and so much much, I am so happy that I decided to join,”  said Barrio. 

The girls maintain active interest in the EmpOURment Project Instagram account, such as doing Instagram lives, giving teen-dating advice, self respect opinion, community presentations and creating posts that spread awareness.

Carranco said, “We also make content for their Instagram account and write op ed’s about the anti- teen violence movement.

“I enjoy contributing my thoughts and knowledge to an organization that empowers youth to be fearless and equipped in the face of any violent or offensive altercations.”

The girls are considered to be the “founders” of the project, since they have all been consistent and showed a passion towards the well being of others. 

Castillo said, “This project means a lot because I am one of the founding teen members for it, and it’s been very rewarding for me.”

The girls not only are passionate about the project, but they have always been welcomed to the project and agency.

Barrio said, “What I enjoy most about being a part of this project is how united and welcoming all of the officers and people involved are.”

As the project gets to grow and inspire other people the girls continue to be an inspiration to those who seek for help.