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At 1626 Life Skillz Inc., we offer a range of holistic programs that support youth aged 16 to 26 through the most vulnerable and formative years of their lives. From housing to mentorship, each initiative is built to address real needs and open real doors.
We meet youth where they are and walk with them toward independence.
Housing instability remains a leading driver of poverty and vulnerability. Many households in Wake and Franklin Counties face eviction due to temporary financial crises, lack of access to support systems, and limited knowledge of housing navigation pathways. Without timely intervention, these situations often escalate into homelessness.
The Safe Steps Housing Stabilization Program provides emergency financial assistance combined with individualized case management and housing navigation services to prevent homelessness and support long-term stability.
● Emergency rental and utility assistance: Direct financial support to prevent
eviction and maintain housing stability.
Expected Outcomes:
● Security deposits and temporary shelter support: Facilitates rapid rehousing for
individuals in crisis.
● Case management and housing navigation: Provides structured client support,
assessments, and service coordination.
● Transportation assistance: Ensures access to housing appointments and services.
● Program operations and administration: Supports communication, documentation,
and reporting.
● Emergency stabilization fund: Addresses urgent and unforeseen housing crises.
“Housing is not just a roof. It’s the foundation of healing.”
Food insecurity, lack of hygiene supplies, and transportation barriers significantly impact the health and dignity of vulnerable populations, limiting their ability to access essential services and opportunities.
The Bridges of Care Outreach Initiative delivers direct, community-based support services while serving as an entry point to longer-term programs.
● Food support and grocery vouchers : Provides immediate relief to food-insecure
households.
● Hygiene kits : Promotes health, dignity, and personal care.
● Transportation assistance : Enables access to healthcare, employment, and services.
● Community outreach events : Expands reach through mobile service delivery.
● Volunteer engagement and administration: Supports coordination, training, and reporting.
Educational inequities limit opportunities for youth from underserved communities, particularly those lacking access to tutoring, digital tools, and stable learning environments.
The Future Builders Academic Empowerment Program delivers structured tutoring, academic enrichment, and digital access support to improve learning outcomes.
● Tutor stipends: Provides consistent, high-quality academic instruction.
● Learning materials and curriculum: Supports effective teaching and engagement.
● Technology access: Addresses the digital divide.
● After-school programming: Structured academic sessions.
● Transportation support: Ensures consistent attendance.
● Family engagement: Strengthens learning at home.
● Program coordination: Ensures quality delivery and monitoring.
Limited access to skills training and employment pathways contributes to unemployment and economic instability among youth and adults.
The Pathways to Purpose Workforce Development Program equips participants with job readiness skills, certifications, and employment opportunities.
● Training facilitators : Deliver structured workforce training.
● Apprenticeship coordination : Connects participants to employers.
● Certification programs: Enhances employability.
● Job readiness workshops: Builds essential skills.
● Participant support: Removes barriers to participation.
● Employer partnerships: Expands job opportunities.
● Program administration: Ensures coordination and reporting.
Entrepreneurship provides an alternative pathway to economic independence, but many individuals lack access to capital, training, and mentorship.
The Rise & Build Program supports small business development and financial literacy to promote economic resilience.
● Entrepreneurship training: Builds business skills.
● Micro-grants: Provides startup capital.
● Financial literacy education: Strengthens financial management.
● Mentorship: Provides guidance and support.
● Startup toolkits: Supports business launch.
● Program coordination: Ensures oversight and reporting.
Individuals experiencing homelessness and economic hardship often face unaddressed trauma and mental health challenges. Creative expression provides a powerful, accessible pathway to healing and self-empowerment.
The Voices & Visions Program is a trauma-informed, arts-based intervention that supports emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and community connection.
● Creative facilitators: Deliver structured arts-based sessions.
● Art supplies: Enable meaningful participation.
● Wellness workshops: Support mental health and resilience.
● Community showcases: Amplify participant voices.
● Youth engagement: Target young participants. Expected Outcomes:
● Program coordination: Ensures quality implementation.
Every young person needs a mentor — someone to believe in them.
1-on-1 mentor matching
Long-term emotional support
Career and life guidance
Regular check-ins and trust-building
We don’t just focus on one issue — we take a 360-degree approach to youth development. From housing to healing, from life skills to leadership, we empower the whole person.
