A community of voices develops our programs. Those programs create impact. That impact changes the world.
Everything we do is designed to empower young people!
Read about our programs below or check our quick visual guide!
Our programs provide safe spaces where young people refine their leadership skills, amplify their voices, and become the change agents they are meant to be.
The Inspire Program is a transformative experience for young people aged 11 and up. By combining group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and targeted tutoring in core subjects, we create a supportive environment where they can develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement. The program also offers enriching trips that provide opportunities to heal, build leadership skills, and expand horizons. These trips, along with college tours, help youth explore new environments and unlock their full potential. Beyond the trips, Inspire provides targeted college and career prep, including skills-building workshops, resume development, interview preparation, and exposure to various career paths, empowering youth to envision and pursue successful futures.
The Young Visionaries Collective (YVC) is an 8-month program designed to help young people find, explore, and amplify their creative voice through photography and filmmaking. It blends technical training with creative expression, enabling youth to tell personal and community stories while exploring the power of visual storytelling for advocacy and leadership. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, mentorship from industry professionals, and collaborative projects to develop skills in photography, filmmaking, and storytelling. The visual projects, such as photo essays and short films, reflect their perspectives and will be showcased to the community and city to spark dialogue and amplify their voices on important issues.
You can sign up a young person for one of our programs here.
Our wellness approach helps build healthy communities for young people. We focus on nutritious foods while prioritizing dignity and empowerment.
The S.O.W. Hope Mobile Food Pantry is a unique and innovative service that brings a small grocery store directly to families' doorsteps. Housed in a converted U-Haul truck, the pantry offers a wide variety of fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essential items. Through an easy-to-use online ordering system, families can select items that best meet their unique dietary needs and preferences. Our young people play a vital role in operating the pantry, from stocking new items and managing inventory to delivering groceries to homes. While they leave the driving to the adults, they are instrumental in ensuring that our community members have access to healthy and affordable food. The pantry has a special focus on supporting families with children, seniors, and individuals facing mobility challenges.
The S.O.W. Hope Educational Farm is a hub for community engagement, health education, and sustainable living. Under the guidance of our dedicated youth coordinators, our farm provides a hands-on learning experience for young people and the community while also suppling fresh produce to the community, supporting our mobile food pantry and ensuring healthier meal options for our weekly youth programs. We offer a variety of educational programs at the farm, including nutrition education workshops, mental and physical health workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities in our outdoor demonstration space. By showing a connection between fresh food and a healthy lifestyle, we aim to inspire individuals to grow their own food and make informed choices about what they eat.
Impact isn’t just a word—it’s the change we make every day. Through real, measurable action, we’re moving the needle where it matters most. Learn more below.
Anti Violence
Our work disrupts cycles of violence by empowering youth to lead and make positive choices. Through youth roundtables and leadership development, we provide space for over 100 young people each year to tackle issues like gun violence and create action-based solutions. 90% of participants report increased confidence in conflict resolution and decision-making.
Education
Our work expands access to education and career opportunities, equipping youth for success. Each year, we provide over 30 tutoring sessions, take youth on 4 college tours, and connect them with multiple workforce development opportunities, including partnerships with unions and hands-on skill-building experiences. 100% of Inspire participants improve their literacy and comprehension skills.
Leadership
Our work cultivates the next generation of changemakers by giving youth real decision-making power. Through the Youth Advisory Council, leadership trips, and mentorship pathways, older participants take on leadership roles, guiding and mentoring younger peers. This cycle of leadership ensures that each new generation of youth is supported, empowered, and prepared to lead in their communities.
Mental Health
Our work prioritizes mental well-being by ensuring youth and the community have access to the support they need to thrive. Through S.O.W. Hope, we distribute over 25,000 pounds of food annually, easing food insecurity and financial stress while promoting overall community health. Our youth programs provide mental health education, access to therapists, and restorative practices, helping them build resilience and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Volunteers are our backbone! Individuals and small groups are invited to bring their skills and passions to the communities we serve. Volunteers can participate in serving a meal, mentoring or tutoring a student, delivering groceries, and more. Maybe you have your own idea on how to help, we can’t wait to hear it! Sign up to volunteer, check out our upcoming events, or contact us for more information.