A 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from lived experience, dedicated to breaking cycles of domestic violence through education, advocacy, and healing.
Empowered Bridge was founded by survivors who knew firsthand the gaps in support, the isolation that follows leaving, and the deep need for community-based, trauma-informed care. We built the organization we wished had existed for us.
Based in Lakewood, CA and serving Los Angeles County, we provide direct services, education, and training — all rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves to heal.
From our 40-hour curriculum — available to incarcerated individuals at no cost — to our facilitator certification program, we are committed to creating change at every level: individual, family, and community.
"Healing is not linear, and recovery is not a destination. It is a daily act of courage — and no one should have to walk it alone."
— Judith M. Alcazar, Executive Founder & DirectorTo support survivors of domestic violence and their families through trauma-informed education, peer advocacy, and community resources — empowering every person to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.
A world where every survivor is believed, every family has access to healing, and every community has the tools to recognize and stop domestic violence before it starts.
Survivors, advocates, educators, and community leaders who bring lived experience and professional expertise to everything we do.
Judith provides strategic leadership and vision for the organization, overseeing trauma-informed education, curriculum development, and community-based programming. Drawing from lived experience and advocacy work, she leads with a survivor-centered approach focused on healing, accountability, and community safety.
Alejandra serves as Vice President, supporting organizational leadership, governance, and strategic direction. She contributes to high-level planning and community alignment while advancing the mission and values of the organization.
Jazzleen supports program intake, maintains confidential records, and assists with coordination to ensure clear communication and participant support across programs.
Erika supports financial oversight, budgeting, and organizational accountability in alignment with the organization's mission. She also contributes to community engagement efforts.
Barbara is a BIP-Certified DV Education Facilitator leading regional outreach, education, and advocacy for Northern California with deep community commitment.
With a nursing background and over three decades as a DV survivor, Tracy brings clinical insight and lived understanding to trauma-informed outreach and survivor-centered initiatives statewide.
Dynamic duos bringing combined lived experience, professional expertise, and shared commitment every single day.
Both work as drug and alcohol counselors — Gloria certified with 24 years clean and sober, Charles registered with 15 years. Together committed to trauma-informed outreach and community DV education.
Lived and professional experience in reentry, recovery, family healing, and restoration — committed to helping individuals and families rebuild with hope, accountability, and support.
Every service, every curriculum, and every relationship we build is grounded in these principles.
Survivors are the experts on their own lives. We follow their lead, honor their choices, and never prioritize our agenda over their safety and autonomy.
We understand how trauma shapes behavior and respond with patience, empathy, and evidence-based practices that promote healing rather than re-harm.
Everyone belongs here — women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, justice-impacted persons, and every family member touched by domestic violence.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, honesty, and nonprofit integrity. Our community deserves nothing less.
Knowledge breaks cycles. We believe deeply in the power of education to change not just individual lives, but entire family systems and communities.
We don't just talk about hope — we practice it daily, in every interaction, every program, and every act of advocacy we undertake.
Fully registered, verified, and publicly accountable. Transparency builds trust — and trust builds community.
Publicly listed on Candid
Federally tax-exempt nonprofit
Global nonprofit network
Serving Los Angeles County
EIN: 39-2452210 · California 501(c)(3) · Lakewood, CA