About Teaching Young Leaders
.png/:/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:1209)
Our Philosophy
At Teaching Young Leaders, we believe that every young person—regardless of their background or circumstances—has the power to grow, lead, and heal when given consistent support, compassion, and opportunity.
Our philosophy is rooted in:
🧠 Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize the deep impact of trauma, violence, and instability on young minds. That’s why we create safe, supportive environments where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered to begin their healing journey.
🤝 Relationship-Centered Support
We build trust through genuine, long-term relationships. Whether it's a mentor, therapist, or outreach worker, every connection is grounded in empathy, respect, and accountability.
🛠️ Strength-Based Growth
We focus on what’s right with youth—not just what’s wrong. We help them identify their strengths, set goals, and build skills that lead to resilience, leadership, and independence.
💬 Youth Voice & Leadership
Young people are not just program participants—they are partners in the work. We believe youth deserve a seat at the table in shaping their futures and their communities.
🌍 Community Healing
We don’t just treat individuals—we work to heal entire communities. By addressing root causes like poverty, violence, and stigma, we aim to break cycles and build collective strength.
This philosophy guides everything we do—from group therapy to street outreach—and ensures that our services are more than treatment—they’re a pathway to transformation.
Our Programs
At Teaching Young Leaders, we provide holistic, trauma-informed programs that empower at-risk and high-risk youth to heal, grow, and lead. Our services are built on compassion, accountability, and community connection.
🧠 Mental Health & Wellness Program
We offer individual and group therapy, crisis support, and coping skills training led by licensed clinicians and trauma-informed staff. Our youth learn to manage emotions, build resilience, and reclaim their mental well-being.
💬 Substance Use Recovery Support (SUD IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides group therapy, relapse prevention, and peer-led support for youth impacted by substance use. Participants develop practical strategies for recovery and long-term wellness.
🛡️ Community Violence Intervention (CVI)
We provide outreach, mentorship, and healing spaces for youth exposed to gun violence, domestic violence, or trauma. This includes emergency response, safe circles, and peer conflict mediation.
👫 Peer Link: Youth Group Therapy & Support
Peer Link offers a safe space for high school students to talk, reflect, and heal with peers under the guidance of trained facilitators. Focus areas include emotional regulation, identity, relationships, and leadership.
💼 Leadership & Life Skills Development
We prepare youth for real-world success through mentorship, career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Our programs help youth find their voice—and their path forward.
🚌 Wraparound Support
. We connect youth and families to food, therapy, housing, education, and more.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Caregiver Engagement
We engage parents and guardians in the healing process through family sessions, parenting classes, and resource navigation to create safer, more supportive home environments.
Together, our programs help young people transform their pain into purpose—and build stronger futures for themselves and their communities.
.png/:/rs=w:1209,cg:true,m)
Our Founder, Cedric Hargrave
Cedric Hargrave, the visionary behind Teaching Young Leaders, founded the organization with a deep commitment to empowering youth who face the harsh realities of trauma, poverty, substance use, and community violence. Drawing from personal experience, professional insight, and a heart for service, Cedric created a program that blends mentorship, mental health support, leadership development, and wraparound care to reach at-risk and high-risk youth where they are.
Cedric has a strong background in community-based programming, behavioral health coordination, and youth intervention strategies, with years of experience working in partnership with schools, healthcare providers, and public safety networks. His leadership reflects both compassion and accountability—guiding young people with empathy while equipping them with the tools to lead, heal, and thrive.
Join Us
Make A Donation
With your support, we offer:
✔️ Mental health and substance use group therapy
✔️ Mentorship and leadership development
✔️ Support for families in crisis
✔️ Community healing events and mobile outreach
✔️ Violence prevention and wellness programs
👉 Donate today to invest in hope, healing, and the next generation of leaders.