Vol. 17, No. 2 • May 2013
SaySo Announces New Executive Director
On the occasion of SaySo's 15th birthday, or Quinceanera, Nancy Carter announced that at the end of June she will step down as SaySo's Executive Director. At that point, SaySo's newly elected Board of Directors and current Program Coordinator, Lauren Zingraff, will lead the SaySo organization.
Nancy has been long associated with SaySo and stated that serving as SaySo's Executive Director has been an honor and inspiration during a tenure that included an uncertain path for SaySo. After 15 years, SaySo has developed a solid reputation both statewide and nationally with an impassioned future of enthusiastic young leaders.
In her remarks, Nancy reminded the members that SaySo "exists to empower young people to dream and achieve their goals through helping and supporting each other." She leaves SaySo as it began: "with hope and confidence in our young people…the heart of this organization."
Nancy challenged the alumni and members to allow their achievements to inspire other young adults while they reach out their hand to pull another up. She also thanked the membership for teaching and inspiring her to be a better social worker and person.
SaySo's New Executive Director
Lauren Zingraff is well known to those who frequent SaySo and statewide LINKS events. She has been SaySo Program Coordinator since June 2009. Under her guidance the membership has grown stronger, the SaySo reputation more solid, and the alumni staff has grown to 10 positions.Nancy said she could not be more proud of Lauren's dedication and how she has embraced the organization just as the founding members did years ago.
"Lauren is more than prepared to guide this organization, Nancy said. "She, the Board of Directors, and alumni staff work and support each other beautifully to achieve the goals and mission of SaySo."
In accepting the Executive Director position, Lauren recalled that in 1998, the year SaySo was started, Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?" was the number one song.
One of the most important things that happened in 1998, she noted, was the development of a youth-driven organization in North Carolina. Originally called COFFEE (Coalition of Friends and Family Educating Everyone), its name was changed to SaySo: Strong Able Youth Speaking Out.
Lauren commented that Nancy has been the greatest champion of SaySo for those 15 years (the equivalent of 131, 487 hours) and as a result. SaySo is a big piece of her heart.
Together Lauren and SaySo Alumnus Chaney Stokes presented Nancy with a pictorial composite of the last 15 years (or, in their words, 782 weeks or 5,478 days).Lauren promised to honor the tradition of SaySo in every way and uphold the mission and heart of the organization. Lauren Zingraff will be commissioned along with the newly elected board of directors on June 20, 2013 at the annual SaySo Orientation Retreat.
On March 2, 2013, the SaySo organization proudly celebrated its 15th Anniversary at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, NC. SaySo Saturday serves as our annual birthday party and family reunion.
This year we had much to celebrate, including having five members of the board of directors attending college and ten paid SaySo Alumni positions!
We had an all-time record breaking crowd of 194 birthday guests. All enjoyed good food, great fellowship, and lots of fun! Lunch was catered by Moe's Southwest Grill, and guests were able to have their pictures taken to remember our special day.
One of the highlights of the day was our keynote speaker, George Duvall, a nationally-known motivational speaker and comedian. George is also an alumnus of foster care. He was the keynote speaker at our 10-year anniversary and we are so happy that he was able to join us for our 15th party. George had birthday guests laughing until they were crying!
At the conference we also debuted our newest video, "iSaySo." It features youth and adult supporters talking about why they are involved with SaySo. It was very well received! Watch it on SaySo's website at http://www.saysoinc.org/isayso/.
The New Board
As with every SaySo Saturday event, we acknowledged our wonderful local chapters and held regional elections for the 2013-14 SaySo Board of Directors. The following youth were elected to the board:
- Region 1: David R.
- Region 2: Isaiah R., Sarah F., Chris W.
- Region 3: Ladajah H., Vivian S., Hope D.
- Region 4: Damonique L., Erica F., Amanda S., Sam H.
- Region 5: Brittany H., Sarah H., Eric G.
- Region 6: Kristen B., Tiffany C., Sarah M.
The 2013-14 board will attend a three-day leadership training retreat in June which will include a ropes course. A commissioning ceremony will conclude the retreat as board members accept their one-year term to serve and represent all foster youths in North Carolina. During the year, board members will plan and facilitate a variety of youth conferences such as "LINK-Up" and "It's My Transition." They'll also participate in a variety of projects in collaboration with SaySo partners and the state LINKS program.
Thanks for Supporting SaySo Saturday 2013
This year's event was a phenomenal success and made possible with the generous support of the following partners: Action for Children (Raise the Age), Adcentive Brown & Bigelow, Balloons and Tunes, Children's Home Society (Matt Anderson), The Eaton Corporation, The Fenwick Foundation, Foster Care to Success, George Duvall, Guilford Technical Community College, Harris Teeter (Adams Farm), Horizon Video Productions, Independent Living Resources, Inc., John & Mellicent Blythe, Melinda Medina & Marvin Terrell Dixie, Moe's Southwest Grill (High Point), NC LINKS, UNC-CH School of Social Work (Sara Cobb & Christy Bullins). Plus a Great Big Thank You to everyone who came and celebrated our Quinceanera with us!~ Family and Children's Resource Program, UNC-CH School of Social Work ~
