Open-Forum Discussions
It is not always easy to spot the warning signs of young people who are facing challenges in their lives. Sometimes they do not want anyone to know how bad things are for them.
Our "Let's Talk About It" open-forum discussions allow participants to anonymously bring up any topic they want to discuss in a fun, non-judging, informative, supportive, and inspirational environment!
Our mission is to help young people realize that there are ways out and that there are people who will listen to them and empower them to make the right choices.
Participants gain knowledge on various topics, such as self-esteem, conflict resolution, goal setting, communicating effectively, networking, public speaking, etc.
Sessions will reconvene in the fall. More info to come.
Mentoring
Our mentoring programs allow participants to receive guidance and support in specific areas, i.e., athletes, teen moms, girls, etc.
Parent-Child Connection
Parent-Child Connection is our annual event held in the Chicago-land area to provide an opportunity for parent and child to connect. This requires parent contribution, involvement, and full participation.
Our next event date is November 2022. Stay tuned!
Fun/Volunteer Activities
Fun activities allow parents to connect to teens, teens to connect to other teens, and parents to connect to other parents.
Volunteerism allows participants to give back and create a sense of community.
Stay tuned for upcoming activities...
Resources/Referrals
We share resources and/or referrals to help meet the needs of families. Subscribe with us and be the first to know about opportunities for parents and teens.
Our Programs
All About Athletes (AAA)
With the recent climb of student athlete suicides, it is important for student athletes to feel supported by other athletes who understands and have overcome the same struggles.
The All About Athletes online mentoring program provides athletes a forum for support and advice.
The program meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday @3pm via Zoom starting on Sunday, 7/10. Register today!
Teen Mom Mentoring Program
This program provides mentoring, support, and resources for teen and young moms and is facilitated by MUST Founder and President, Vonetta Wade, who was also a teen mom.
Vonetta understands what it is like to struggle as a young mom and need support. She is excited to share her journey of the ups and downs of raising two successful college graduates with the program participants.
Vonetta is a Certified Professional Coach. Parent-Child relationships is one of her focus areas.
More info to come...
The program starts in the fall. Interested moms can register now to be included in related communications.
MUST Girls Mentoring Program
This program provides support, resources, and an opportunity for young ladies ages 12 to 17 to build stronger connections with other like-minded individuals.
Participants will have fun while learning from each other and being mentored by other women who have overcome obstacles in their own lives.
This program is facilitated by Alexis Austin, Sierra Jackson, and China Rorie who are all former MUST participants. More info will be provided soon.
Girls who are interested in this program can register now to be included in related communications.
Former MUST Participant Testimonials
“I am 27 years old and I joined M.U.S.T. my sophomore year of High School. Prior to being in M.U.S.T. I was timid, insecure, and unaware of who I was. M.U.S.T. gave me the push I needed to step into who I was. Between the meetings, annual Fashion show, and friendships I formed, I was about to discover the true Lawreen. I am a smart, confident, informative, positive, and loving person and I have M.U.S.T. to thank for that. Thank you, Ms. Vonetta, for your love and support then and throughout the years. I love you and I’m so grateful I had M.U.S.T. in my life, and now as a Mother I appreciate and understand why it is so important to have a program like M.U.ST.“
~Lawreen~
“M.U.S.T. gave me the opportunity to connect with my peers and express myself without judgement. My high school experience wouldn’t have been the same without a genuine organization that cares and values the youth.”
~Alexis~
"M.U.S.T. was one of the most influential organizations I've been a part of. It was a place that made me feel safe while expressing my thoughts and views on various subjects. I recommend it for all young teens."
~Bobby~
"I am forever grateful for the positive community that M.U.S.T provided me in high school. The program assisted tremendously in the blossoming of my leadership skills, as well as my public speaking skills. M.U.S.T also connected me with like-minded people, who I've been able to stay connected with and grow, in my adult years. All in all, the program molded my mind and groomed my discipline towards my goals."
~Portia~
M.U.S.T. was one of the most influential programs available to BHS students. It provided a creative outlet for students to share their dreams, motivate one another, create bonds that otherwise wouldn't have existed, promote educational growth and philanthropic endeavors. The impact of love shown by the leaders of this organization is solidified by every success story of its participants. I would venture to say that "thank you" isn't enough to express how we feel.
~Chad~
Stay informed of our upcoming events, opportunities for teens, and other resources!