Root & Rise Youth Center

Founded by Achut Deng
Author • Motivational Speaker • Community Advocate

Welcome

Root & Rise Youth Center is a faith-inspired, community-centered space designed to support youth ages 10–18 through mentorship, literacy, life-skills development, and meaningful connection. Root & Rise exists to ensure every young person feels safe, seen, supported, and empowered—regardless of background or circumstance.

Founder & Leadership

Achut Deng is a published author and motivational speaker whose work centers on resilience, hope, and perseverance. Through years of speaking in schools, mentoring youth, and engaging with families across communities, Achut has built deep trust with young people navigating adversity.

Her lived experience, professional background, and commitment to youth advocacy shape the foundation of Root & Rise Youth Center. Achut brings proven strengths in emotional healing, literacy development, and leadership mentoring—ensuring programming is impactful, culturally responsive, and grounded in compassion.

Our Vision

To cultivate a welcoming community space where every young person feels valued, supported, inspired, and safe. Root & Rise Youth Center will be a place where youth can read, learn, connect, and communicate openly while engaging in meaningful activities that build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

Our Mission

Root & Rise Youth Center exists to provide a safe, supportive, and faith-inspired environment for youth ages 10–18. Through mentorship, literacy-focused programming, academic support, and positive social engagement, we empower young people to develop leadership skills, emotional resilience, and healthy relationships. Guided by Achut Deng’s experience as an author and motivational speaker, the center encourages growth, purpose, and hope.

Why Root & Rise Is Needed

Many young people in our community face emotional stress, limited academic support, unsafe after-school environments, and feelings of isolation. Others struggle with peer pressure, identity challenges, or feeling unheard at home or school.

Root & Rise Youth Center responds by providing:

  • A safe, supervised after-school space

  • Consistent, screened adult mentors

  • Access to books, homework help, and academic resources

  • Structured activities that promote emotional wellness and leadership

  • Encouragement, stability, and positive role models

Program Overview

Ages: 10–18
Days & Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Root & Rise Youth Center offers a balanced program designed to support academic success, emotional wellness, creativity, and healthy social connection.

Program Components

Quiet Reading & Study Area
A calm, welcoming space with books and journals where youth can read, study, reflect, or decompress.

Homework Help & Academic Support
Guided assistance to help students complete assignments, strengthen study habits, and build confidence in learning.

Mentorship & Support
Caring adult mentors available to listen, encourage, and provide guidance in a safe, open-door setting.

Social Connection Space
Supervised board games, group activities, conversation circles, and free time that foster healthy peer relationships.

Creative Expression
Art projects, writing activities, and group discussions that allow youth to express themselves positively.

Life-Skills & Leadership Development
Workshops and motivational sessions focused on communication, decision-making, confidence-building, and personal growth.

Support Circles
Facilitated, respectful conversations where youth can share about school, friendships, emotions, and challenges in a safe environment.

Safety & Operations

The safety of our youth is our highest priority. Root & Rise Youth Center follows clear operational standards, including:

  • Mandatory sign-in and sign-out procedures

  • A minimum of two screened adult volunteers present at all times

  • Open-door mentoring policies

  • Emergency contact forms for all participants

  • Full compliance with child safety and protection standards

Community Impact

Root & Rise Youth Center is designed to:

  • Promote literacy, leadership, and personal growth

  • Provide a safe alternative to isolation and risky environments

  • Support working parents and strengthen families

  • Improve academic habits through consistent reading and study time

  • Encourage emotional expression and confidence

  • Build healthy social skills and positive peer connections

  • Strengthen relationships between families, faith communities, and local partners

  • Help youth feel seen, heard, and valued

Fiscal Sponsorship & 501(c)(3) Readiness

Root & Rise Youth Center is structured to operate under either a fiscal sponsorship arrangement or as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring responsible growth, transparency, and sustainability.

Fiscal Sponsorship Model

Through partnership with an established 501(c)(3) organization aligned with our mission, Root & Rise can:

  • Accept tax-deductible donations and grants

  • Maintain financial oversight and reporting

  • Ensure compliance with IRS and charitable regulations

  • Receive administrative guidance during early growth

This model allows Root & Rise to begin serving youth immediately while building long-term capacity and measurable impact.

501(c)(3) Formation Readiness

Root & Rise Youth Center is prepared to pursue independent nonprofit status when sustainable funding and infrastructure are in place. Foundational elements already established include:

  • A clearly defined mission, vision, and demonstrated community need

  • Youth-centered, faith-inspired programming with measurable outcomes

  • Leadership with lived experience, professional credibility, and community trust

  • Operational policies emphasizing safety, accountability, and transparency

Planned governance will include a volunteer Board of Directors, written bylaws, conflict-of-interest policies, financial controls, and ongoing program evaluation.

Financial Stewardship

Root & Rise Youth Center is committed to responsible stewardship of all resources. Funding is directed primarily toward:

  • Program supplies and educational materials

  • Youth activities and workshops

  • Safety and operational needs

  • Volunteer training and background checks

Low overhead and strong volunteer engagement ensure the majority of funding directly supports youth programming.

Our Commitment

Root & Rise Youth Center represents a meaningful, community-centered investment with low overhead and high impact. With strong leadership, a clear operational framework, and readiness for fiscal sponsorship or nonprofit formation, the center is well-positioned for long-term sustainability.

By opening our doors, we offer young people stability, belonging, and hope—a safe place to grow, heal, and thrive. Root & Rise exists to change lives, strengthen families, and embody compassion in action.