Project Me Foundation Inc.

Our Mission / Who We Serve

At Project Me Foundation Inc., we serve young people ages 13 to 24 navigating some of the most critical and vulnerable transitions in life.

We work with youth and young adults who are:

• Aging out of foster care

• Transitioning from juvenile justice involvement

• System-impacted, underserved, or justice-adjacent

• In need of structure, guidance, and a stable foundation during early development and early adulthood

Our mission is to equip them to build stable, self-directed lives through mentorship, advocacy, life-skills development, and access to essential resources at the moment they are needed most.

How We Approach The Work

Our work is rooted in prevention, re-entry support, and long-term stability.

We align with evidence-informed practices supported by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Justice, all while grounding our model in lived experience.

This means we do not operate from assumptions. We meet young people where they are, with a structure designed to move them forward.

Our programs reflect core principles of:

• Positive Youth Development

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Not as theory, but as standards embedded into how we engage, mentor, and build accountability.

Why This Work Matters

Oneida County, New York.

In Oneida County, hundreds of young people are involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems each year.

At any given time, approximately 400-450 youth (up to age 21) are in foster care. This is consistently above the New York State average.

Many transition into adulthood without stable housing, financial security, or long-term support systems

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system often face overlapping challenges including trauma, family instability, disrupted education, and unmet behavioral health needs.

Research shows that youth with foster care experience are significantly more likely to become involved in the justice system than their peers.

These are not isolated issues; they are predictable outcomes when support systems end without a transition plan.

They reflect the exact service gaps identified by OCFS, OJJDP, and DOJ as critical intervention points, especially during system exit, re-entry, and early adulthood development.

Our Role

Project Me Foundation Inc. exists to stand in that gap. Not temporarily, but intentionally and with a sense of permanence. We provide a proactive structure, accountability, and support necessary to interrupt cycles, stabilize trajectories, and build pathways toward independence, leadership, and long-term success.

Who This Is Not For

Project Me Foundation Inc. is built for growth, structure, and accountability, and it is not the right fit for everyone.

This program may not be a fit for individuals who:

• Are not open to guidance, structure, or mentorship

• Are unwilling to be held accountable to personal standards and expectations

• Are seeking short-term assistance without long-term commitment to growth

• Are not ready to actively participate in their own development

We believe in meeting young people where they are but not leaving them there. Participation requires effort, and a willingness to grow.

Why This Matters

We do not believe in warehouse-style programming or passive engagement.

Every young person in our program is expected to:

• Show up

• Engage fully

• Commit to their own development

Because real transformation does not happen through access alone, it happens through accountability, structure, and actions.

The Standard

This is a place for individuals who are ready to take ownership of their future and develop discipline and direction in order to build a life beyond just surviving the streets.

If you feel that you are committed to this standard, then we welcome you to Project Me Foundation.