Our Impact
Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons (PUDS) delivers measurable, community-centered impact by investing in youth leadership, entrepreneurship, violence prevention, and family stability. Our work is rooted in lived experience, strengthened by academic partnership, and validated through real outcomes across multiple cities and states.
What began as a local youth empowerment effort has grown into a multi-city model demonstrating that when young people and families are resourced, trusted, and supported, communities become safer, stronger, and more economically stable.
Where We Work
New York City, NY
Boston, MA
Newark, NJ
Birmingham, AL
East Orange, NJ
How Our Work Creates Change
We believe sustainable change happens when opportunity, healing, and leadership are addressed together.
PUDS programs integrate:
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Entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, giving youth real pathways to income and independence
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Trauma-informed leadership development, supporting emotional wellness and confidence
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Violence prevention and peer leadership, positioning youth as protectors and problem-solvers
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Family- and justice-informed approaches, strengthening the environments where young people live and grow
This integrated model leads to increased confidence, economic mobility, safer communities, and long-term stability for youth and families.
Program Impact Highlights
Youth Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment
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Youth launched real businesses supported by mentorship and startup resources
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Participants engaged in pop-up shops, expos, and civic showcases
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Entrepreneurship positioned as both economic opportunity and prevention strategy
Violence Prevention & Youth Leadership
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Youth trained and certified as Junior Violence Interrupters
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Safe Passage and school-based leadership models implemented
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Young people equipped with de-escalation, mediation, and restorative skills
Healing & Mental Health Leadership
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Peer mental health leadership development
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Trauma-informed, youth-led support spaces
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Emotional wellness embedded across programming
Family & Justice-Informed Work
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Programming aligned with family stability and reentry pathways
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Leadership and entrepreneurship used as tools for reintegration
Community-based healing that addresses root causes, not just symptoms
Recognition & Visibility
PUDS’ work has received local and national recognition for its innovation, credibility, and impact, including national presentations on youth entrepreneurship and extensive media coverage highlighting youth leadership and economic empowerment.
This recognition reflects trust from cities, institutions, and community partners who see PUDS as a capable and results-driven organization.
Impact Stories & Testimonials
Real Youth. Real Businesses. Real Change.
Across cities and states, Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons (PUDS) supports young people in turning ideas into income, confidence into leadership, and lived experience into opportunity. These stories reflect the real impact of our work in communities across the country.
East Orange, New Jersey
Ryan Kundan — Youth Entrepreneur
Ryan Kundan is a young entrepreneur from East Orange, NJ, whose participation in the Boss Up Teen Entrepreneurship Program led to the launch of a brick-and-mortar business. With mentorship, business training, and seed funding, Ryan transformed his vision into a physical storefront, creating economic opportunity and community pride.
Ryan’s journey reflects what is possible when young people are trusted with real responsibility, structure, and support.
Impact Highlight:
Youth-led business launch with a physical storefront.
Ryan Kundan
Youth Entrepreneur
Why These Stories Matter
These are not simulations or short-term projects.
They are real young people building real businesses, earning income, gaining confidence, and stepping into leadership.
Across East Orange, Newark, New York City, and Birmingham, Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons demonstrates what is possible when youth are supported with access, trust, and opportunity.