Foundation
"I want to instill in each of our clients the confidence
and courage to take back control of their lives."
and courage to take back control of their lives."
-- F O U N D E R / C E O, Y E L B A M. C A R R I L L O, M.Ed.,Psy, MSW
CEO, Yelba M. Carrillo, founded Project Caged Birds, Inc. in January 2015. Her idea of creating a non-profit geared towards helping survivors of Military Sexual Trauma and Domestic Violence developed while completing the Masters in Military Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Research has shown that female veterans tend to isolate themselves from family and friends upon returning home from deployment. Many of them minimize their war contributions and related traumatic experiences. Rather than seeking assistance from the Department of Veteran Affairs, several opt for private care to treat physical and mental health issues. These factors deter their efforts at self-advocacy. Due to the barriers facing survivors of MST and DV, Yelba's desire to assist survivors of Military Sexual Trauma and Domestic Violence grew. She wanted to develop an organization that targeted every life domain using innovative, strength-based techniques.
At Project Caged Birds, we strive to empower our clients, so that they may find their voice. Our staff and clinicians have vast knowledge and experience with military culture, military sexual trauma, and domestic violence creating a safe and trusting environment for clients. Our goal is for clients to practice self-care, increase their self-awareness, and improve their self-esteem.
At Project Caged Birds, we strive to empower our clients, so that they may find their voice. Our staff and clinicians have vast knowledge and experience with military culture, military sexual trauma, and domestic violence creating a safe and trusting environment for clients. Our goal is for clients to practice self-care, increase their self-awareness, and improve their self-esteem.
Team
- Joyce J. Carrillo, Psy.D; Chief Financial Officer
- Claudia Perez, Chief Creative Officer
- Karen Navarrete, ACSW, MSW; Board Director
- Vanessa Shoemaker, Board Director
- Vicky Chavez, Board Director
- Matthew Estrada, Board Director