OUR STORY
It STILL Takes A Village (ISTAV) is a community-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
committed to strengthening youth, families and underserved communities. We provide
programs focused on mental and behavioral wellness, housing stability, eviction prevention,
youth development, violence prevention, mentoring, workforce readiness and successful re-entry into the community. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are, address
immediate needs and connect participants with practical tools and long-term opportunities.
mission
& Vision
The mission of It STILL Takes A Village is to strengthen youth, families and communities by
providing education, mentoring, resource navigation and supportive programs that promote
mental wellness, housing stability, successful re-entry, violence prevention and long-term
personal development.
Our vision is to create communities where every young person, family and vulnerable adult has
access to the support, resources and opportunities needed to live safely, build stability and
reach their full potential
Leadership & Board
Djuan "Young Dro" Hart
Young Dro, a well-known American rapper, has been personally affected by gun violence and substance abuse. Not only is he a victim of gun violence, so is his mother, he has lost several of his rap peers to these senseless acts. As he shared, "every morning I wake up to watch the news a kid has died somewhere, one day I turned on the news and Takeoff had been added to the senseless violence, that's when I knew it was time to speak up." Young Dro's personal journey of overcoming substance use and mental health challenges also inspired his involvement in the initiative.
Ciara Elle'
Ciara, PhD, certified youth life coach, has worked in the mental and behavioral health field for 2 decades. She has several degrees with 100+ certifications, including in oppositional defiance, family interventions, depression, life skills, anger management skills, coping skills, and stress management. She too had a challenged upbringing which is her drive to spearhead this tour alongside with Young Dro. Together their personal experience and professional knowledge is fitting for an initiative such as "it STILL Takes A Village"