What is MUST

M.U.S.T. (Movement to Uplift and Support Teens) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and supporting parents as they navigate the challenges of raising teens. Our mission is to bridge the gap between teens and parents and provide invaluable support and guidance. 

Since our founding in 2004, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the teens in our community receive the resources they need to overcome life's challenges, while also equipping parents with the tools to foster better communication and connection with their children.

Founded by Vonetta Wade at Bolingbrook High School and formerly known as Mothers United to Save our Teens, M.U.S.T. emerged from Vonetta’s personal experiences with ineffective communication and familial conflict. Having faced significant struggles herself, including leaving home at a young age and becoming a teen mother, Vonetta was determined to break the cycle of dysfunction and provide support for other families.

Through its various programs, M.U.S.T. offers practical tools and emotional support to help families overcome challenges, fostering environments where both parents and teens can thrive.

The organization has grown from its origins to become a vital platform for helping teens develop into confident, self-aware, and successful adults. By emphasizing healthy dialogue and interaction, M.U.S.T. aims to rebuild family dynamics, which, in turn, contributes to stronger communities.

  Our Focus Areas:

• Addressing Mental Health Challenges: We provide support and resources to help individuals manage and overcome mental health challenges, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.
• Encouraging Self-Esteem, Self-Love, and Self-Confidence: We are dedicated to helping individuals build a strong sense of self-worth and confidence, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience.
• Cultivating Talents: We believe that everyone has unique talents and potential. Our programs are designed to help individuals discover, nurture, and develop their inherent abilities.
• Promoting Positive Expression and Decision-Making: We emphasize the importance of expressing oneself in constructive ways and making thoughtful decisions that contribute to personal growth and well-being.
• Building Essential Skills: We focus on developing crucial skills such as leadership, communication, networking, and conflict resolution, preparing individuals to succeed in both personal and professional arenas.

By focusing on these areas, we aim to empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.