SayPro, in partnership with the United States Peace Corps, is developing mentorship programs designed to combat gang violence by offering youth guidance, purpose, and positive role models. SayPro understands that many young people turn to gangs due to lack of support, belonging, and opportunity. SayPro’s mentorship model pairs at-risk youth with trained community leaders, educators, and professionals who serve as trusted guides. Peace Corps volunteers support SayPro in organizing mentorship activities, life skills sessions, and educational support systems. These programs focus on personal development, emotional regulation, and goal-setting. SayPro provides structured environments where youth can voice their challenges and receive consistent encouragement. SayPro mentors help youth identify strengths, overcome trauma, and chart a path toward education and employment. SayPro sees mentorship not as charity but as solidarity—walking alongside youth as they reclaim their futures and reject the false promises of gang life.
SayPro ensures that mentorship programs are locally rooted and culturally relevant. SayPro trains mentors in trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, and ethical mentoring practices. Peace Corps volunteers assist in developing training manuals and creating interactive group activities that foster trust and resilience. SayPro believes that one meaningful relationship can change the course of a young person’s life. Group mentorship activities include sports, music, community service, and storytelling, all of which help youth reconnect with their values and strengths. SayPro also involves families in the process, offering workshops to improve communication, parenting skills, and household stability. SayPro measures progress not just by reduced gang involvement, but by increased confidence, education re-entry, and positive life choices. By combining mentorship with community support, SayPro creates a web of care that surrounds vulnerable youth with possibilities. SayPro is committed to making every young person feel seen, safe, and supported.
SayPro’s approach includes peer mentorship, where older youth who have exited gangs or overcome adversity guide younger peers through shared experience. Peace Corps volunteers support SayPro by facilitating these mentorship circles, offering structure and emotional safety. SayPro also uses digital tools to connect youth with mentors across regions and provide continuous support through messaging apps and video calls. SayPro partners with schools, social services, and faith groups to ensure referrals and additional resources are available. These programs help youth find purpose through entrepreneurship, education, and creative outlets. SayPro believes mentorship should unlock identity, vision, and voice. Special attention is given to youth facing additional risks due to poverty, discrimination, or migration. Through consistent, compassionate presence, SayPro mentors light a path away from violence and toward fulfillment. SayPro knows that healing and change are possible—and mentorship is the beginning.
SayPro evaluates the impact of mentorship programs by tracking changes in behavior, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Peace Corps volunteers assist in surveys, one-on-one interviews, and storytelling documentation. SayPro shares results with partners and scales what works through local replication. Future plans include a national youth mentorship network, annual youth resilience awards, and community mentor certifications. SayPro’s vision is a society where every youth has access to a role model who believes in them. Together with the Peace Corps, SayPro is preventing violence by nurturing human connection, emotional safety, and belonging. SayPro turns pain into purpose and isolation into relationship. Through mentorship, SayPro restores faith in self, community, and possibility. SayPro stands firm in its belief that no young person is beyond hope—and every story can change with the right guidance.