Foundation – YOU Not Me®

YOU Not Me® Foundation

The YOU Not Me® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that exists to expand access to character, leadership, and emotional-intelligence development for young people and communities who would not otherwise have it. We equip youth, educators, families, and community leaders with practical tools and transformational relationships that build confidence, resilience, and purpose—so individuals and communities can flourish together.

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The Need

Young people in underserved communities often face systemic barriers including limited resources, fractured relationships, educator burnout, and reduced access to leadership development. While these communities possess extraordinary resilience and potential, they are often underserved when it comes to consistent, values-based formation that builds identity, belonging, and long-term success.

Who We Serve

Title I Schools & Underserved Districts
Youth Nonprofits & Community Centers
Faith-Based & Mission-Driven Organizations
Alternative Education & Juvenile Justice Programs
Military Veterans/Law Enforcement/First Responders & Their Families

Our Approach

The YOU Not Me® Foundation delivers relationship-first, dignity-centered programming rooted in the YOU Not Me® mindset—a proven framework that shifts focus from self-centered performance to selfless leadership, accountability, and service.

Our programs are:

Practical (real-life tools, not theory)
Relational (trust and belonging before instruction)
Culturally responsive (community-informed, not one-size-fits-all)
Sustainable (equipping adults and peer leaders, not dependency)

Helping underserved communities thrive by expanding access to character, leadership, and emotional-intelligence development.

YOU Not Me® Leadership & Identity Pathway (Flagship Program)

A 12-week transformational experience that develops students while strengthening the adults and culture around them. This pathway builds shared language, shared values, and shared responsibility across students, educators, and families — creating deep, measurable, and sustainable impact.

Character & Leadership Workshops

Interactive sessions that introduce the YOU Not Me® mindset and equip youth with tools for identity, emotional regulation, communication, accountability, and service-based leadership.

School & Nonprofit Partnership Programs

A structured curriculum delivered weekly with lessons, activities, facilitator guides, student journals, and a capstone service project that strengthens belonging and culture.

Educator & School Culture Support

Workshops and coaching that help teachers and staff build relationship-first classrooms, reduce burnout, and model the behaviors we want students to live.

Youth Leadership Cohorts

Small-group intensives that develop emerging leaders in confidence, teamwork, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and community impact

Parent & Caregiver Workshops

Sessions that help families support their children with empathy, boundaries, and healthy communication — strengthening the home environment.

Coach, Mentor & Youth Worker Training

Training that equips adults with YOU Not Me® tools for trust-building, trauma-informed communication, and creating safe, predictable environments.

Restorative Leadership & Conflict Repair Circles

Peer-led restorative practices that teach responsibility, repair, and reconciliation — replacing punishment with dignity-centered growth.

Student-to-Student Mentorship Pathways

Vertical mentoring systems where older students support younger peers through school transitions, identity formation, and leadership development.

Life Transitions & Resilience Programming

Support for students navigating major life changes — graduation, school transitions, re-entry after disruption — with tools for identity, stability, and wise decision-making.

Digital Curriculum & Access Library

Short-form lessons, downloadable curriculum, journals, and facilitator modules that expand access for rural or under-resourced communities.

Community Leadership & Service Incubators

Youth-led service projects that teach teamwork, planning, and community impact — turning leadership into action.

Summer Intensives & Enrichment Experiences

High-energy programs blending leadership, teamwork, creativity, and service — building confidence and community.

Scholarships & Access Grants

Financial support ensures young people from underserved communities can participate in YOU Not Me® programs and leadership experiences.