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"

OUR STORY

mission & Vision

Leadership & Board

mission
& Vision