They Need Us National Youth Network
nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring, empowering, and advocating for at-risk and underserved youth across the United States. Rooted in lived experience, accountability, and transformation, the network connects credible mentors, community leaders, and young people to break cycles of violence, incarceration, and hopelessness.
The Problem We Address
Across America, thousands of young people grow up without consistent guidance, accountability, or opportunity. Many face violence, broken systems, incarceration cycles, and hopelessness.etur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Too often, intervention comes after damage is done.
We believe prevention must come first.
Who We Are
Mission
To empower youth through mentorship, education, and opportunity turning pain into purpose and helping young people build disciplined, productive, and hopeful futures. We are committed to providing safe spaces, positive role models, life-skills training, and access to resources that equip young people to overcome adversity, discover their potential, and become confident leaders in their communities.
Vision
A nation where every young person regardless of background has access to guidance, accountability, and positive role models who understand their reality and help them rise above it. We envision communities where youth are supported, equipped with opportunity, and surrounded by mentors who inspire confidence, resilience, and purpose creating a generation of disciplined
Our Core Focus
Mentorship
Rooted in truth and accountability
Leadership Development
For youth ages 14–24
Violence Prevention
Through presence and credibility
Community Partnerships
For long-term impact
Terrance “Gangsta” Williams
National Director & Lead Mentor
Terrance “Gangsta” Williams brings lived experience, national visibility, and credibility to youth who often distrust traditional systems. His leadership focuses on: Accountability over excuses Truth-based mentorship Street-to-structure transformation Prevention through presence
Terrance “Gangsta” Williams is a national youth advocate, mentor, and leader whose work is rooted in lived experience, accountability, and transformation. His journey from the streets to structured leadership gives him rare credibility with young people who often distrust traditional systems.
Rather than speaking at youth, Terrance speaks from experience — offering truth, discipline, and guidance grounded in real-world understanding.
His leadership is built on the belief that prevention is more powerful than punishment and that presence is more impactful than policy alone.
Our Impact Vision
- Weekly mentorship circles
- Leadership challenges
- Youth accountability tracking
- Service-based growth development it.
Youth: Your story is not over.
Mentors: Your presence can change a life.
Partners: Invest in prevention, not punishment.