Give. Reach Out.
Overcome. Withstand.
GROW exists to help youth develop knowledge, support systems, confidence, and practical tools for the decisions they face today and the future they are building.
Our purpose
Young people do better when they have accurate information, supportive adults, meaningful expectations, and a place to talk through real life choices. GROW brings those pieces together through mentorship and education.
The program centers prevention, academic growth, family connection, personal responsibility, resilience, and community involvement.
What GROW means
- Give: contribute time, attention, knowledge, and encouragement.
- Reach Out: ask for help and connect with people who care.
- Overcome: build skills to work through challenges and setbacks.
- Withstand: develop resilience, values, and healthy support systems.
Education without barriers.
GROW was originally designed with youth considered at risk in mind, guided by the belief that firsthand experiences and meaningful conversations can help young people make positive choices and envision a different path for their future. As the program developed, it became clear that all youth, regardless of circumstance or background, can benefit from opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow.
GROW encourages young people to recognize the value of education, positive decision-making, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility. It creates open conversations about issues that can affect their lives, including bullying, peer pressure, substance use, and the consequences of our choices.
Early in its development, GROW created opportunities for youth to hear firsthand stories from incarcerated individuals who became GROW mentors. Their lived experience helped illustrate that challenges, mistakes, and difficult circumstances do not have to define a young person’s future.
Today, GROW continues to evolve with the needs of the youth and communities it serves. Our vision is to help young people grow through knowledge, connection, resilience, and service while creating positive pathways for their future.
Positive youth development and prevention in action.
Support that respects the whole young person.
GROW uses a positive youth development approach. That means we recognize strengths, make room for youth voice, and create safe, structured opportunities for young people to learn, belong, lead, and contribute.
Connection
Trusted adults and meaningful relationships create space for honest conversations, belonging, and positive growth.
Education
Clear, accurate information and practical tools help young people make informed decisions in everyday life.
Responsibility
GROW encourages ownership of choices while recognizing the value of guidance, support, and second chances.
Growth happens through relationships.
Young people benefit from caring adults, clear expectations, practical skill building, and environments where they feel they belong. GROW is designed to support all four.
Our approach in practice
- Build on existing strengths and interests
- Invite youth to help shape goals and activities
- Develop communication, decision making, and problem solving skills
- Create pathways for leadership and positive contribution