Waterbury, Connecticut • Ages 16–24

From Adversity to Achievement

Resilient Futures delivers a cohort‑based, trauma‑informed program that improves youth well‑being and economic mobility through mentorship, financial literacy, counseling, and leadership development. Our dual‑entity model (501(c)(3) + LLC) ensures program sustainability and measurable, funder‑grade outcomes.

Resilient Futures equips underserved youth with mentorship, financial literacy, counseling, and leadership development. Our nonprofit and our social enterprise work together to create real pathways to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Explore Programs Our Story Donate
Founder’s Statement

“I created Resilient Futures to give young people what I needed most at their age — guidance, belief, and a fair chance to build a future that feels possible.”
— Lashinka Damon, Founder & CEO

Evaluation ready • Logic model aligned • Year‑1 target: 25 youth

Why We Exist

Underserved youth deserve access to mentors, safe spaces, and practical skills that unlock opportunity. We focus on ages 16–24 in Waterbury, CT, including those aging out of systems and single‑parent households.

NTEE: O31 Youth Development • 501(c)(3) approved

Our Model

The nonprofit delivers impact programs; the LLC delivers revenue‑generating services like entrepreneurship bootcamps and business setup. Profits from the LLC help sustain our free and low‑cost youth programming.

Nonprofit Programs

Mentorship & Leadership

12‑week cohort; 1:1 + group mentoring; SEL and leadership competencies aligned to CASEL.

One‑on‑one and group mentorship grounded in goal‑setting, confidence, and decision‑making.

12‑week cyclesAfter‑school

Financial Literacy

Budgeting, credit, and savings curriculum; pre/post assessments; measurable gains in literacy scores.

Budgeting, credit, saving, and planning for long‑term stability with hands‑on workshops.

WorkbooksCoaching

Counseling & Wellness

Trauma‑informed small groups; licensed referrals; attendance, SDQ, and wellness tracking.

Trauma‑informed support groups and referrals to licensed professionals for mental wellness.

Safe spacesCommunity partners

Outcomes & Evaluation

Year‑1 targets: 80% retention; +60% financial literacy scores; 50% reduction in disciplinary incidents among participants; 10 job/intern placements. Tools: pre/post surveys, attendance, and goal‑tracking dashboards.

Evidence‑Informed

Program design integrates SEL, mentoring best practices, and trauma‑informed care; aligned to youth development standards and local workforce needs.

Future Grant Targets

Annie E. Casey Foundation; Connecticut Community Foundation; OJJDP Mentoring; Bank of America Workforce; Ion Bank Foundation; CT DCF community grants.

Make It Your Chance LLC logo

Make It Your Chance LLC

Turning Potential Into Power. Visit site →