Support for Immigrant Youth in Philly’s Suburbs: Project Libertad Makes a Difference.
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A year ago, Yulisa Concepción felt isolated and overwhelmed.
“I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I felt like no one would help me or do anything for me,” said the 18-year-old from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Yulisa, who arrived in the U.S. in 2022, was struggling to balance high school and caring for her infant son, Jess. Without family or a support network here, she was in crisis and contemplated ending her life.
“I didn’t talk about what was happening to me. I didn’t want to speak to anyone because I felt like they wouldn’t help,” Yulisa recalled.
Her situation changed in 2023 when Project Libertad staff, including founder and executive director Rachel Rutter, visited her school in Kennett Square. The organization, which operates in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties, provided Yulisa with legal assistance, connected her to a therapist, and helped her access urgent health care for her baby.
“It was the best thing that has happened to me in my life,” Yulisa said.
Now, as she prepares to enter her junior year of high school, Yulisa dreams of attending college and becoming a teacher, inspired by her experience with Project Libertad. She feels supported and has found a sense of family within the organization.
Project Libertad’s mission is to offer hope and practical support to newly arrived immigrant youth across the Greater Philadelphia area, according to Rutter.
The Origin of Project Libertad
Rachel Rutter, an immigration attorney, founded Project Libertad in 2015 after realizing that her clients needed more than just legal assistance. She aimed to provide a comprehensive approach to meet the varied needs of immigrant youth.
Last week, Rutter was recognized as a CNN Hero for her work with the organization. While legal aid remains a core component of Project Libertad, Rutter and her team also offer holistic support in schools across Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. In 2023, they served 1,100 individuals, mainly children and young adults.
Project Libertad’s programs include Know Your Rights training and Newcomer Support sessions in school districts such as Phoenixville Area, Norristown Area, Kennett Consolidated, Central Bucks, and Tredyffrin/Easttown. The organization also provides bilingual therapy for students.
Rutter noted that for students like Yulisa, who arrive in the U.S. alone, challenges such as housing and food insecurity are significant. Project Libertad’s case managers help connect these students with essential services, including housing programs, health care, and mental health support.
“They are in a precarious situation because, as high school students, they don’t have a stable home life,” Rutter said.
The Know Your Rights training informs students about immigration court processes, types of immigration status, and interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also covers access to higher education for undocumented students.
The Newcomer Support program, along with a youth leadership team, offers a safe community for immigrant students. Older students mentor younger ones, providing support and understanding from those who have shared similar experiences.
Expanding Resources in the Philly Suburbs
Project Libertad focuses on Philadelphia’s suburbs partly due to a lack of immigrant-serving resources in these areas. Rutter emphasized that while resources are scarce citywide, the situation worsens in the counties.
“There’s even less opportunity for people to access free or low-cost services in the counties,” she said. This scarcity can lead to exploitation by attorneys who charge high fees for their services.
Rutter called for increased funding from local, county, and state governments to better support newly arrived immigrants. “We turn away many requests because there are far more people needing services than there are nonprofit attorneys,” she said.
A Safe Space in Schools
Since its inception, Project Libertad has grown steadily and is now working in Central Bucks and Tredyffrin/Easttown school districts for the first time this year. Schools contact the organization when they have a high number of newcomer students.
“I appreciate that schools are taking responsibility for providing these services to their English learners,” Rutter said. Teachers often support Project Libertad’s programs, noting that they create a safe environment in the classroom that benefits students’ overall academic performance.
Rutter recalled a student who experienced PTSD symptoms and struggled during the school day. After receiving support from Project Libertad and winning her asylum case, the student’s symptoms began to improve.
The organization’s support has become increasingly vital amid political discussions about immigration. Negative rhetoric and bullying have impacted immigrant students, and Project Libertad has adapted by offering programs during school hours due to safety concerns about potential ICE raids.
“We’ve seen an increase in harassment and negative attention because of the political climate,” Rutter said. “We plan to continue expanding our model and resources to better serve immigrant youth.”
Yulisa’s message to other immigrant youth is one of hope. “Sometimes we think people won’t help us, but that’s not true,” she said. “Many people want to see you happy and help you live the life you deserve.”