New Nonprofit Brings Hope to Memphis Youth

New Nonprofit Brings Hope to Memphis Youth, Founded by Proud Memphis Native Destinee Ramson

A new nonprofit is making waves in the Memphis community, dedicated to empowering young people and shaping the next generation of leaders. Memphis Youth Development Group (MYDG), founded by proud Memphis native Destinee Ramson, is on a mission to provide mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities that inspire youth to grow, connect, and thrive.

Though MYDG is still awaiting its official 501(c)(3) status, Ramson and her team are already hard at work building programs and partnerships to uplift young people. With a deep passion for her hometown, she envisions an organization that fosters independence, strong relationships, and civic responsibility among Memphis youth.

A Vision for Memphis Youth

As a lifelong Memphian, Destinee Ramson understands the challenges many young people face in her community. She founded MYDG, believing that investing in personal growth and leadership skills will create a stronger, more vibrant Memphis. “Our goal is to motivate youth to be independent, learn from others, build trusting relationships, and share their strengths with the community,” says Ramson.

Core Initiatives That Empower Youth

MYDG is structured around four key programs designed to support and uplift young people:

• Trio Mentorship Model for Underserved Teens – Unlike traditional one-on-one mentorship, MYDG uses a trio mentorship model that connects a first-year mentee with a youth ambassador (a former mentee transitioning into a leadership role as a mentor-in-training) and an adult mentor who provides guidance and support. This layered approach fosters peer learning, leadership development, and long-term growth. Each participant follows a specialized developmental curriculum tailored to their stage—mentees build foundational skills, while youth ambassadors refine leadership and mentoring abilities.

• Family Workshops – Engaging families in open discussions and activities that strengthen relationships and provide valuable life skills.

• School-Wide Leadership Assemblies – Encouraging students to take on leadership roles, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them in school and beyond.

• Educational & Recreational City-Wide Youth Events – Hosting safe, dynamic events that promote learning, teamwork, and personal growth in fun, engaging environments.

  
  

For more information about MYDG’s programs and upcoming events, visit www.memphisydg.org.

How the Community Can Help

As MYDG continues to grow, the organization seeks support from the Memphis community. There are several ways to get involved:

• Volunteer: Serve as a mentor, event coordinator, or workshop facilitator.

• Partner: Organizations and businesses can collaborate to provide resources and opportunities for youth.

• Donate: Contributions help sustain and expand MYDG’s vital programs.

“We are just getting started, but the enthusiasm and support we’ve already received from the community have been incredible,” says Ramson. “Together, we can empower our youth to build the skills, relationships, and sense of responsibility they need to succeed and contribute to the future of our city.”

Follow MYDG’s journey and stay updated on upcoming events at www.memphisydg.org. Join us in making a difference—because when we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of Memphis.

This blog post was written by AI.