We Support Change For Youth In NC

With SaySo, there is more than meets the eye. We are a full-service organization
for youth in North Carolina at any stage of their foster care journey.
Learn more about us, our history, and what we have planned for the future.

WHO WE ARE

What is SaySo North Carolina?

SaySo History

SaySo, Strong Able Youth Speaking Out, is a statewide association of youth aged 14 to 26 who are or have been in the out-of-home care system that is based in North Carolina. This includes all types of substitute care, including foster care, group homes, and mental health placements.

Founded in 1998 by a stakeholder group of older youths in care, adult caregivers, and adult professionals, SaySo has been recognized with respect in North Carolina and nationally as a youth-driven advocacy organization. Our founding members felt youths needed to be more involved in advocating and policy development for young people in substitute care.

In 2002, with the support of the Fenwick Foundation, SaySo became an incorporated, private, non-profit organization with approved 501c3 status. (A copy of our IRS status can be provided as needed.)

SaySo Mission

The Mission of SaySo is to work to improve the substitute care system by educating the community, speaking out about needed changes, and providing support to youth who are or have been in substitute care.

All SaySo activities, whether at the state or local chapter levels, support this mission statement which was written in 1998, the year SaySo was founded.

OUR MISSION

What are the mission and vision of the organization?

OUR VISION

What is the vision of SaySo?

SaySo Vision

The following Belief Statement was written in 1998 by Keisha, one of our founding members. Keisha compiled all the ideas of the founding members into this one statement:

“We, strong able youth, believe in educating the community about needed changes in the foster care system. As strong able youth, we believe the voices of youth matter. So it is time to listen.

We believe that if provided adequate materials we can achieve anything. As strong able youth, we uphold the idea that by expressing ourselves verbally, we are informing others of real life situations that may give a new meaning to life.

We believe we have the right to be treated equally and fair and that our voices can make a big difference. We proclaim the love of children as being a primary factor for SaySo’s continued existence. As youth, we believe we should have a right to better health care and easy access of monies for our needs. We hold the expectation that every board member is a unique individual, who can and will learn.

Provided with a sufficient amount of time, effective teaching, and a positive learning environment, we will accomplish our goals.”

The SaySo Organization continues to uphold these beliefs today.