Atlanta, Georgia | 404.492.1579 | @youtharethefuture
A community-driven organization rooted in Atlanta. We exist to walk alongside youth, strengthen families, and transform communities — through real relationships, real presence, and real accountability.
Who We Are
YOU-TH ARE THE FUTURE is not a program on paper. Our work was born from lived experience — from the streets, the schools, and the corners of Atlanta. We show up consistently, honestly, and without conditions because the youth we serve deserve nothing less.
Every decision we make starts with the people we serve — youth, families, and community.
No location is off limits. We go where it's needed — including the places others won't.
We hold ourselves to the same standard we encourage in others. Data-backed. Community-driven.
Every meal, every conversation, every hand extended says the same thing: you are seen.
Our Story
YOU-TH ARE THE FUTURE was not built in a boardroom. It was built in the streets, a cell, the classrooms, and the corners of Atlanta — by a man who knows every one of those places firsthand.
The founder grew up in the very communities this organization serves. In 1989, a series of dark choices led to a life sentence. He served 25 years. Inside those walls, the mission was born.
"He became the first inmate in the Georgia Prison System to create and operate a mentorship program — transferred to three different prisons specifically to implement it."
Upon his release in 2013, he didn't walk away from the work — he walked further into it; mentorship and facilitating classes across Georgia school systems. Street-level violence interruption. Real change, with data to prove it. Throughout Atlanta he is known as "UNK," "OG," and "Mr. So ATL" — a name given to him in 1991 that has never stopped fitting.
YOU-TH ARE THE FUTURE is not just an organization. It is the life's work of a man who refused to let his worst chapter be his final one — and who has spent every day since proving that.
What We Do
One-on-one relationships built on trust, presence, and genuine investment in each young person's future.
Connecting families to resources, support, and community — because strong families build strong youth.
Assistance with applications, interview preparation, proper dress, and everything needed for onboarding — supporting every step of the journey toward employment.
Street-level activations, community events, and outreach that meets people exactly where they are.
We go into some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in inner-city Atlanta — with presence, not paperwork.
Our Next Chapter
Da Lab is our community wellness space — currently in development. A place where youth, families, and community members come to release, reset, and reconnect through creative therapy-based programming.
Animal-assisted interaction, expressive arts, movement, and mindfulness — all offered in a safe, judgment-free environment built by and for this community.
Da Lab offers creative therapy-inspired programming and is not a licensed clinical or therapeutic facility.
Get Involved
You don't have to have a lot to give a lot. Whether you sponsor, donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — your support keeps this mission moving.
Partner with us to fund programs and expand our reach across Atlanta.
Goods, resources, and contributions go directly to youth and families in need.
Show up. Be present. Make a difference on the ground in our community.
Organizations, businesses, and nonprofits — let's build something together.