Fywoop

25/07/2026

Meet Julianna Snead! She is a rising junior at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Journalism. Today, she is job shadowing with me at CBS 17. The future is bright because of young women like her.

Thanks to SAGE.Inc Founder Coach Tati for making the connection.

24/07/2026

Congratulations

Big things are coming for our Jonesboro Club! Thank you, Smurfit Westrock Foundation, for believing in the power of local youth development! Their generous donation of almost $200,000 will help us serve more kids, more often, in a more meaningful way!

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/SWFBGC

23/07/2026

We are excited to announce a new partnership between Finding Your Way Out of Poverty (FYWOOP) and the Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment (COPE Clinic), a counseling and outreach program within the University of Mississippi’s School of Education.

To introduce this partnership, Dr. Rick Balkin, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Mississippi, joined us as the featured speaker at our monthly FYWOOP family meeting. He shared how this collaboration will help connect more children, youth, and families in our community to quality mental health and personal development services.

Through the COPE Clinic, Mississippi residents have access to free in-person and telehealth counseling services for individuals, families, couples, and groups. Services are available for children as young as 3 years old, helping remove barriers to care and making mental health support more accessible across our state.

At FYWOOP, we focus on leadership development, financial literacy, representation, education, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, and career development. This partnership strengthens our ability to support the whole person by connecting youth and families with additional resources that promote healing, growth, and long-term success.

To learn more about the University of Mississippi’s COPE Clinic or to request services, visit:
COPE Clinic at the University of Mississippi⁠

We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the families we serve. We are better together.

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

A life-changing opportunity. A community that made it possible.

Our FYWOOP Big Team member, Harmoanie Wanzo, recently had the experience of a lifetime while participating in the Envision Advanced Pre-Med Program at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. During the 10 day program, Harmoanie learned alongside high-achieving students from across the globe, gaining hands-on exposure to the medical field, building leadership skills, and expanding her vision for a future in healthcare.

This incredible opportunity was made possible because of a community that believes in investing in young people.

Finding Your Way Out of Poverty would like to sincerely thank every individual, business, organization, and supporter who donated and helped make this journey possible. Your investment gave Harmoanie more than a trip it gave her exposure, confidence, connections, and an experience that will help shape her future.

At FYWOOP, we believe that when we expose our students to opportunities beyond what they see every day, we help them realize there are no limits to what they can achieve. Congratulations, Harmoanie! Your community is proud of you, and we can’t wait to watch your journey continue.

14/07/2026

There are some lessons you can only learn by leaving your hometown.

This weekend, the FYWOOP Girls Lead Too Leadership and Cultural Experience brought together girls, their mothers, and women leaders for a weekend built on connection, learning, and leadership. It wasn’t just a trip to Memphis it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, create lasting memories, and show our girls what leadership looks like in real life.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Shaunta McDowell, alongside Board Member Romana Patterson, Tisha Hall, Selectwoman Shaun Thompson, and entrepreneur Tanikia Ratcliff, our girls walked through history, met business leaders, worshipped together, laughed together, and discovered that leadership comes in many different forms.

Every stop had a purpose.

At the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, they stood where history changed our nation and reflected on the courage it takes to lead with purpose.

At the National Civil Rights Museum’s Legacy Building, they gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that created opportunities for future generations.

At Stax Museum of American Soul Music, during Family Day, they experienced the power of music, culture, and community.

At Makeda’s Cookies, owner Mrs. Pam welcomed the group, shared her entrepreneurial journey, and talked about investing in young people through her internship program reminding our girls that successful businesses can also have a heart for the community.

At Slim & Husky’s Pizza, the restaurant manager shared his personal leadership journey, proving that every career has the power to inspire others.

The group also worshipped at Brown Baptist Church, where FYWOOP received valuable encouragement and advice that helped shape our own internship program showing our girls the importance of seeking wisdom from those who have gone before us.

To complete the experience, everyone enjoyed fellowship at Tekila and walked the legendary Beale Street, taking in the rich culture, history, and spirit that make Memphis so unique.

This is what leadership development looks like.

It looks like daughters talking with their mothers.
It looks like women pouring into the next generation.
It looks like classrooms without walls.
It looks like history becoming personal, businesses becoming mentors, and every conversation becoming a lesson.

These young ladies didn’t just return home with pictures they returned with greater confidence, stronger relationships, bigger dreams, and a clearer vision of what’s possible for their future.

At FYWOOP, we believe that when girls are surrounded by strong families, caring mentors, and meaningful experiences, they don’t just grow they lead.

Because girls lead too. 💚

07/07/2026

You never know how far a few words of encouragement can go.

As preparations were underway for the Brandy Norwood celebration, McComb Selectman Shawn Williams took time to speak with BIG Team member Keenan Lewis before the event even began.

To some, it may have looked like a brief conversation. To us, it was a powerful reminder that our young people need adults who will pause, encourage them, and let them know they matter.

Thank you, Selectman Williams, for taking the time to invest in Keenan. Your willingness to encourage the next generation is appreciated, and it’s one more example of how our community can help young people grow into confident leaders.

07/07/2026

Our BIG Team students and Fywoop families showed up in a BIG way yesterday as they joined our community in celebrating the incredible Brandy Norwood!

From the streets of downtown to the heart of the celebration, our students and families were everywhere, supporting a historic day for McComb. Community engagement is a big part of who we are, and we believe there’s value in showing up, celebrating excellence, and being present for moments that inspire the next generation.

We are grateful that our community had the opportunity to honor one of its own, and we are proud that our Fywoop family was there in full force. 💙