Our Journey
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our Mission is to help gang-affected youth open their hearts, minds and souls through self-empowerment and healing, thriving with self-respect and confidence, and returning to loving themselves, family and community. O.U.R Journey's vision is to engage with youth and build rapport, trust and relationships with some of the most hurting and alienated youth in our community and those showing gang attraction or involvement.
- Income
- $441,060
- Spending
- $252,913
- Spent on programs
- 63%
- Reserves
- 7.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 10
- Highest pay
- $52,862, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 43% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 500% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1563% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 67 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $91,743 spent. Youth Community Center (funded from NS ACH) The Youth Community Center, established with critical support from North Sound ACH, provides a safe, welcoming space for youth to access mentorship, life skills development, academic support, and recreational activities. The opening of the new facility in 2024 was a major milestone, offering young people a dedicated environment to grow, learn, and build resilience outside of school hours. Key accomplishments include the successful launch of diverse programming, such as life skills workshops, after-school tutoring, mental health support services, and culturally responsive Spanish-speaking parent groups designed to empower Latino families. The center also forged strong partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, expanding access to comprehensive support for youth and families. Additionally, the purchase of a youth transportation van ensured reliable access to center activities, helping remove barriers for youth who otherwise lack safe or consistent transportation options.
- $48,052 spent. School Mentoring Program (funded from DCYF) School Mentoring Program The School Mentoring Program supports at-risk students by providing academic mentoring, behavioral support, and after-school enrichment. In 2024, the program served 36 students, fostering improvements in academic achievement, attendance, and personal development. Through structured after-school activities, mentorship sessions, and a targeted Gang Intervention component, the program helped guide youth away from high-risk behaviors and toward healthier futures. Key services included providing regular mentoring, offering over 350 meals and spending nearly $20K on supplies and activities to meet both basic needs and provide enrichment opportunities, while supporting their emotional and academic growth. Program data, including participation rates and student outcomes, are tracked through DCYF monthly reporting. Overall, students demonstrated notable gains in grades, school attendance, and behavioral outcomes, reflecting the program's strong impact on student success and resilience.
- $19,104 spent. School Intervention Program (funded from CHA) O.U.R. Journey provides intervention services for highly at-risk youth, focusing on school engagement, mentorship, and community reentry support. The program serves youth involved with the juvenile justice system, at risk of gang affiliation, and struggling with school engagement. Through partnerships with schools, juvenile justice representatives, and community organizations, O.U.R. Journey offers trauma-informed mentorship, peer-to-peer support, and re-engagement services, including educational re-enrollment, workforce development opportunities, and positive youth activities. In 2024-2025, O.U.R. Journey supported over 60 youth, helping students stay in or return to school, secure employment support, and reconnect with positive community outlets. The program expanded services by opening a dedicated youth center, training staff in Credible Messenger and Peer Counseling models, and strengthening partnerships with local employment and educational programs. O.U.R. Journey prioritizes racial justice by creating equitable access to opportunities for Black and Brown youth disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.