Empowering Youth

Through social and emotional education, we help today’s youth become caring, connected members of tomorrow’s society. We also provide a platform for those who have lived in foster care, group homes and mental health placements to share their stories with the larger community. By sharing firsthand knowledge of foster care’s challenges, they can play a constructive role in working with community leaders to find solutions.

Wise Guys®

This isn’t a lecture. This is a life-changer. Our Wise Guys program engages young men in an interactive, participatory process that helps them examine their values, set goals for the future, and redefine what manhood looks like. By creating a safe space for questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue about “what it means to be a man,” we encourage middle school and high school youth to make healthy, empowering choices in their intimate relationships. 

Learn About The Program

82%

increase communication with parents about sex and relationships.

5,000+

young men participated last year.

78%

improvement in perspectives relating to healthier relationships.

SaySo®

Speak out today. Make changes for tomorrow. SaySo, Strong Able Youth Speaking Out, is a statewide association of youth ages 14 – 24 who are, or have been, in the out-of-home care system in North Carolina, including foster care, group homes, and mental health placements. The organization works on two levels: 

  1. as a platform for youth in foster care to share their experiences with communities, professionals and policy makers to inform and educate them of the challenges. 
  2. as a support group and educational resource for teens in the system. Through annual events, conferences and programs, SaySo helps these young men and women transition out of foster care by informing them of resources available to them and teaching them essential life skills. 

For more information, to get involved, or to join SaySo for FREE, visit saysoinc.org

Get Involved

Our community is vital to our success. Find out how your time, talent and resources can help more children find and experience loving families.

Donate Now

It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a community to affect lasting change. Invest in the lives of children and make a difference for families everywhere.