The mission of SaySo (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out) is to transform the substitute care system by educating communities, advocating for meaningful change, and uplifting youth who are currently or have previously been in substitute care. As a statewide, youth-led advocacy organization in North Carolina, SaySo includes 30 local chapters across the state, each creating spaces where young people can connect, grow, and lead.
A SaySo local chapter is a community-based, youth-driven group that supports young people ages 14–26 with lived experience in foster care, kinship care, group homes, mental health placements, and juvenile justice placements. These chapters provide safe and supportive environments where youth can build lasting connections, receive peer mentorship, strengthen leadership skills, and learn how to advocate for themselves and others. More importantly, local chapters help young people navigate challenges, gain stability, and feel empowered to use their voices to influence systems that directly impact their lives.
For example, the SaySo 336 Forsyth local chapter is dedicated to helping youth and young adults turn their personal experiences into collective power. Through educational resources, life skills training, workshops, and community engagement, members are equipped with the tools they need to successfully transition into adulthood and independent living. Our chapter focuses on four key pillars: closing educational gaps, promoting permanency, expanding employment opportunities, and teaching advocacy skills.
One of our biggest priorities right now is building a strong employer pipeline for young adults ages 17–26. Studies show that youth aging out of foster care often face barriers to stable employment including lower wages, inconsistent work opportunities, and limited workforce experience. SaySo 336 is actively working to close that gap. Through partnerships with local organizations and professionals, youth gain valuable job readiness and soft skills such as communication, professionalism, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. At the same time, we work to educate employers about the strengths, resilience, and potential of the young people we serve. Some of our community partners include Crosby Scholars, The Dream Foundation, Restorative Justice, and representatives from the North Carolina Society for Human Resource Management.
Over the past two quarters, SaySo 336 has welcomed 28 new members who actively participate in chapter meetings, workshops, and community events. We currently serve eight group homes throughout Forsyth County and continue to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen support for youth across the community. Our newly formed youth board plays an important role in planning monthly chapter meetings and identifying policies that directly impact young people in care.
During a recent discussion about the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, which promotes sibling connections and placement stability, a 16-year-old member shared that she had never heard of the policy before and was excited to learn she had rights related to maintaining contact with her siblings while living in a group home. Moments like this highlight why education and advocacy matter so deeply within our chapter.
Beyond advocacy, SaySo 336 also prioritizes practical life skills that prepare youth for independence and long-term success. Recently, members participated in a cooking class where they learned how to prepare meals and practice essential kitchen skills. One graduating senior shared, “These skills learned in the cooking class will help me when I move out of my group home.” Stories like this remind us that our work extends far beyond meetings and workshops — it’s about helping youth feel confident, supported, and ready for their future.
Through peer support, leadership opportunities, advocacy, and strong community partnerships, SaySo 336 continues to create a space where youth and young adults feel heard, valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed.
If you are interested in starting a SaySo local chapter in your community, please contact SaySo North Carolina or email [email protected]. Our vision is to bring a SaySo local chapter to all 100 counties across North Carolina.
