Phone: (323) 291-0191
A Trusted Counseling Agency for Women in South Los Angeles
SISTAHFRIENDS is a nonprofit and social service agency for women in South Los Angeles. With our compassionate approach and expertise, we are here to guide women on their journey toward healing, growth, and a brighter future.
Our Herstory
In 1990, a group of Black lesbians established SISTAHfest, a retreat that served as a secure and welcoming environment for Black lesbians. The purpose of the retreat was to encourage visibility, unity, and empowerment through grassroots organizing, activism, economic independence, education, spiritual expression, and artistic expression.
As a result of this experience, it became clear that there were unmet mental health needs among Black women as a whole who struggle with issues like anti-Blackness, systemic racism, gender oppression, social injustices, economic inequity, emotional and psychological trauma, and health disparities. SISTAHFRIENDS was formed to meet the behavioral health needs inclusive of all Black women regardless of sexual orientation.
Yolanda Whittington, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of SISTAHfest, founded SISTAHFRIENDS.
Learn more about our organization.
Our Mission
Our mission is to facilitate psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness throughout the life cycle of Black women and Girls through counseling and care management services.
Our Vision
Our vision is to equip every Black woman and girl with the life skills necessary to effectively manage the stressors of life associated with everyday living as a Black woman or girl in the United States.
Our Values
- We honor individuals’ unique cultures, histories, and identities, treating everyone with dignity, empathy, grace, and fairness.
- We embrace diversity and cultivate an inclusive environment where different people’s voices, perspectives, and experiences are valued and respected.
- We are committed to engaging in ongoing education and training to increase our awareness of our diverse client population’s unique needs and challenges.
- We are committed to providing fair, unbiased, and inclusive care to all individuals regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity, age or ability.