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    • HOME
    • ABOUT US
    • WHAT WE DO
    • COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
    • EVENTS
    • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • WHAT WE DO
  • COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
  • EVENTS
  • CONTACT US

What is MUST

M.U.S.T., formerly known as Mothers United to Save our Teens, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization focused on supporting at-risk youth, specifically teens, and parents through the most challenging years of life.  Among other things, we help parents and their teens to build effective communication skills and relationship techniques. 


M.U.S.T. was founded by Vonetta Wade, a single mother who was experiencing continuous mental and emotional stress and feeling like she was failing as a parent due to non-effective communication and constant conflict with her teenage daughter.  


Vonetta, the daughter of a teen mom, left home when she was just 14 years old due to "conflict" with her mom who was struggling with drug abuse due to the trauma she had experienced for many years. She never learned what a healthy parent-child relationship should be.  


Shortly after leaving home, Vonetta became a teen mom herself. She was determined to break the cycle. She lacked effective parenting skills and self-awareness, so it was a continuous struggle.  She founded M.U.S.T. as a means to get and give support to other parents and teens dealing with the same challenges.  


This program not only helped Vonetta and her daughter's relationship to grow stronger, but it has helped many other families as well.  It has evolved into a platform for helping teens grow into successful, self-aware, confident, and productive adults and leaders. 


We understand that effective communication is the key to any lasting and successful relationship. With that in mind, our goal is to encourage healthy interaction and dialogue between the parent and child. 


We believe this is the first step in rebuilding the family and thus will eventually lead to the rebuilding of our communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide assistance and support for at-risk youth, specifically teens, as they face the challenges of teen life and parents as they face the challenge of raising and connecting with their teens. 

 
We continue the support throughout high school, college, and as our participants enter into the workforce. 

Our Focus

  • Encourage self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence
  • Cultivate talents that exist within everyone
  • Enforce positive expression and decision making
  • Build leadership, communication, networking, and conflict resolution skills

Board of Directors and Volunteers

  • Dr. Vonetta Wade (honorary), Certified Professional Coach, Founder and President
  • LauTauscha Davis, Master Social Work, EdD, Vice President
  • Crystal Winfield Edwards, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master Social Work, MA, Treasurer
  • Sierra Jackson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Secretary*   
  • Alexis Austin, BA, Director of Activities and Volunteerism* 
  • China Rorie, BA, Director of Resources and Referrals*   
  • Kendall Smith, BA, Director of Community Outreach*
  • Brandi Israel, Intern*



M.U.S.T. Alumnae*   

Half of our board members were participants in MUST since their Freshman year of high school.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

MUST is committed to DEI by serving a diverse population and supporting causes of inequities in minority communities.

Connect With Us

MUST - Movement to Uplift and Support Teens

PO Box 1415 - Bolingbrook IL

630-803-0472

Copyright © 2019 by Movement to Uplift and Support Teens

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