About Us:

Established in 2009, Rise Above for Youth is a culmination of years of research and collaboration with similar agencies nationwide.  By replicating practices of Lighthouse Youth Services Independent Living Program (Cincinnati, OH) we are utilizing programs that have proven successful over the span of 25 years.  Our goal is to collaborate with existing agencies and organizations to ensure youth have streamlined access to services that will address their needs at all stages in their transition from foster care or homelessness into the “real world”. 

Our Mission:

To empower transitioning youth to secure successful futures by providing a continuum of individualized services

Our Values:

We will not be bound by statistics, or negativity, but will Rise Above such influences to promote self-sufficiency, responsibility, and success.  In doing so we will abide by the following values in all that we do:

·         Respect

·         Dignity

·         Integrity

·         Responsibility

·         Compassion

Associations/Affiliations:

Rise Above for Youth is a member of the following:

·         National Independent Living Association (NILA)

·         Mississippi Center for Nonprofits

 Our Board:

Bear Atwood, Board President:  Ms. Atwood offers over thirty years experience as an attorney and nonprofit leader both in Mississippi and New Jersey. She currently works as the Interim Legal Director at the ACLU. In previous position as the Director of the Youth Justice Project, she advocated for youth and evaluated the juvenile justice system in Mississippi making recommendations for improvements and holding the system accountable for deficits in current policies and practices. Ms. Atwood served as Deputy Attorney General in New Jersey and has served on the board of a wide range of nonprofit organizations which earned her the D. Bennett Mazur Award for Societal Contributions. Her dedication to youth, civil rights and the justice system are demonstrated throughout her career and Rise Above for Youth is honored to be able to utilize her strengths as our Board President.

Holly Smith, Board Treasurer:  Ms. Smith holds a Masters degree in Accounting and currently works for one of Mississippi’s most prestigious accounting firms. She offers her financial expertise and a passion for youth and community service. Ms. Smith has worked as a volunteer for multiple nonprofit organizations including serving as a Counselor at the Boys & Girls Club and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Andre Cooley, Board Secretary:  Mr. Cooley is well known for his youth advocacy efforts since exiting foster care and he has been engaged to speak on child welfare issues across the country. His work with The Orphan Fund has aided in facilitating scholarships for foster youth alumni, and he continues to work closely with Mississippi’s Department of Human Services to advocate for policies in the best interest of children in care. Mr. Cooley’s passion and experience offer great insight as we further develop our programs and ensure that the needs of youth remain at the center of our organization.

Bob Lowery, Member:  Mr. Lowery currently serves as Senior Policy Analyst for a statewide nonprofit where he is intimately involved in researching and writing grants to support the their services. This experience, along with his dedication to youth and the community are what drives his work with Rise Above for Youth.

Eric Wood, Member:  Mr. Wood holds a Masters degree in counseling and is currently a Therapist at a therapeutic group home in Jackson. In his current role, he provides both individual and family counseling to children and youth and advocates for their best interest. His professional experience also includes serving both as a resident adviser and intern in the group home environment giving him a wide range of experiences which are valuable to Rise Above for Youth’s programmatic development and implementation.

Our Executive Director: 

Shelley Johnson:  Since learning of the number of children in the foster care system in our country in 1999, Ms. Johnson has researched ways to effect change and improve outcomes for foster youth. In 2005, after seventeen years (17) in health care senior management, she shifted her career path in order to obtain her degree in Human Services, with the ultimate goal of starting a Transitional/Independent Living Program for emancipating foster and homeless youth. Rise Above for Youth is a manifestation of her efforts and her dreams.

Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelors degree in Human and Social Services Administration and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. Her extensive management experiences, as well as her passion for youth, drive the organization. Over the past 5 years, Ms. Johnson has researched, consulted and collaborated with other agencies nationwide to determine best practices and develop comprehensive programs and services to support the success of our clients.