SaySo NC

SaySo NC Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo) is a statewide association of youth & young adults ages 14-26+
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SaySo, Strong Able Youth Speaking Out, is a statewide association of youth aged 14 to 24 who are or have been in the out-of-home care system that is based in North Carolina. This includes all types of substitute care, including foster care, group homes, and mental health placements. Our mission is to work to improve the substitute care system by educating the community, speaking out about needed changes, and providing support to youth who are or have been in substitute care.

Onslow's SaySo chapter's event, Rooted in Compassion, a youth-led foster parent conference was truly youth led from star...
08/30/2026

Onslow's SaySo chapter's event, Rooted in Compassion, a youth-led foster parent conference was truly youth led from start to finish. The youth took ownership of planning the event by reaching out to community partners, securing the venue and food donations, serving as emcees, and facilitating the breakout sessions and panel discussion.

Thank you to the incredible SRAs, Mya, Tiny, and others who played a vital role in the conference by facilitating breakout sessions on teens in foster care, trauma-informed parenting, and transitions in foster care. They also participated in the closing panel discussion, where they openly shared their experiences and insights.

We welcomed foster parents from across the region who came to hear directly from youth about their lived experiences in foster care. Every young person demonstrated tremendous courage and vulnerability as they shared their stories, helping foster parents gain a deeper understanding of how they can better support the youth in their care.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many foster parents approached us afterward to express how impactful the conference was, sharing that they had never attended anything like it before. Several said they hope this becomes an annual event.

This conference also allowed the chapter to accomplish one of its 2026 goals: educating foster parents about the lived experiences of youth in foster care through the voices of those who have experienced it firsthand.

We could not be more proud of these young leaders and the meaningful impact they made on everyone in attendance.

SaySo at the Daniel Memorial enjoying the workshops and keynote speakers who shared the real issues facing young people!...
08/28/2026

SaySo at the Daniel Memorial enjoying the workshops and keynote speakers who shared the real issues facing young people!

Thank you NCDHHS for investing in young people and professionals by supporting the attendance of over 50 of us at the national forum where more than 18 CEU’s are gained.

SaySo was excited to attend the 38th Annual Daniel Memorial National Independent Living Conference. We heard from dynami...
08/26/2026

SaySo was excited to attend the 38th Annual Daniel Memorial National Independent Living Conference. We heard from dynamic speakers, innovative educators and passionate leaders from across the country!

The FYI symposium shared that one of the most powerful and misunderstood tools for preventing youth homelessness are housing vouchers.

Grace to Grow, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, SaySo and other community partners are rallying together to get our colleg...
08/14/2026

Grace to Grow, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, SaySo and other community partners are rallying together to get our college-aged youth back to school with confidence! 🎓✨

We're making sure our students have the essential items they need to thrive—so they can focus on classes and success, not obstacles.

These donation and care packages they receive throughout the year are filled with love, support and encouragement! Through them, youth with minimal support are being equipped with the necessary tools for a brighter future. 🫶🏾

SaySo is connecting with lived experts, Think of Us, many other state jurisdictions and community partners in Washington...
08/12/2026

SaySo is connecting with lived experts, Think of Us, many other state jurisdictions and community partners in Washington, DC at the Annie E. Casey Foundation SOUL Family 2026 Network Convening.

SOUL Family (Support, Opportunity, Unity and Legal Relationships) is an innovative framework aimed at helping young people establish legal relationships with one or more caregivers, maintain their legal relationships with existing family connections, and prioritize access to critical benefits and services they will need to thrive in adulthood and beyond.

SaySo having a great week at the Social Services Institute 2026 in Hickory, NC. So exciting to connect with county and s...
08/10/2026

SaySo having a great week at the Social Services Institute 2026 in Hickory, NC. So exciting to connect with county and state level leadership to share the importance of SaySo and why their young people should be involved!

We are glad to be with so many other resource providers building connections and sharing opportunities for the youth, families and staff we serve!

SaySo 336 Submerged into Success continues! Thank you to the Dream Team Foundation for all your support and efforts!    ...
08/03/2026

SaySo 336 Submerged into Success continues! Thank you to the Dream Team Foundation for all your support and efforts!

More pics from SaySo 336 Submerge Into Your Future! Networking, learning and leading ✨
07/31/2026

More pics from SaySo 336 Submerge Into Your Future! Networking, learning and leading ✨

Big thank you to Music is Unity for having us at Backstage Soundcheck! It was a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-scenes exp...
07/29/2026

Big thank you to Music is Unity for having us at Backstage Soundcheck! It was a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-scenes experience for our youth and adults! 🎶✨

We were so grateful to be provided with insight in the planning and ex*****on required to host a concert. From productions to sound stage, we got to understand what it takes to make the music come alive.

Music is Unity is making a powerful difference. Their work includes supporting youth in foster care, helping create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered through music and learning.

Thank you, Music is Unity, for making Backstage Soundcheck possible and for investing in our community in such a meaningful way. 💛

Backstage Soundcheck is a transformative program that unlocks the creativity and potential of foster youth by providing them with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience in the music industry. Our immersive program offers a rare glimpse into the world of music, inviting participants transitioning out of the U.S. foster care system to go backstage during a national music tour. This unique opportunity includes witnessing a pre-concert soundcheck and engaging in a Q&A session with the musical artist and touring staff. Backstage Soundcheck aims to inspire and educate, showcasing a variety of roles and careers within the music industry. The day concludes with our youth attendees experiencing the magic of a live show, creating unforgettable memories, and fostering aspirations for their own bright futures.


Recently, we hosted Submerge into Your Future, an interactive Employment/Educational Event and Resource Fair for youth. ...
07/28/2026

Recently, we hosted Submerge into Your Future, an interactive Employment/Educational Event and Resource Fair for youth. A day full of growth, connection, and possibility! 🎉

🙏 Special thank you to Union Baptist Church for hosting our event and First Lady Kim Mack for leading impactful workshops.

Participants engaged in career exploration, skill building, meaningful connections and interactive workshops including:
Dress for Success
Substance Use & Workplace Success
Interview Skills 101

They also connected with employers and community partners including:
Forsyth Technical Community College, Livingstone College, Wake Forest University, the military, Next Gen - Goodwill NWNC, FC Behavioral Health, Forsyth County Social Services, SYNC, ETV/NCReach, and more!

✨ To everyone who participated, supported, and showed up—thank you! Stay tuned for what’s next! 🫶🏾

Address

604 Meadow Street
Greensboro, NC
27705

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(336) 274-1538

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