Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a non-profit organization but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joy Stevenson, president, and CEO of Catch Them Young, Inc., located in Fort Washington, MD, USA.

What's your organization, and who are your members?

Catch Them Young, Inc. - our customers are mainly youth, their parents, and the people that serve them. CTY's mission is to promote a series of youth advocacy programs focused on the health, safety, and well-being of our youth through intergenerational connections, mentoring, parental development, and community engagement.

Tell us about yourself

Having been a teenage mother, I was placed in a position to experience adulthood at a very early age. My challenges birthed a sensitivity and awareness of the needs of children and parents alike. I began counseling youth in my local church and community. A (12) year tenure with the Job Corps Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, located in Washington, D.C., afforded me the opportunity to work with youth from various backgrounds, such as homelessness, foster care, sexual exploitation, abuse, and drug addictions. With a small staff and a few volunteers, I developed several programs geared toward youth growth and development. I have done extensive work in the community, offering programs and resources to families in need. Working with youth and seeing them grow and develop is the ultimate reward for CTY. We work with youth that is in situations that are beyond their control. We teach them how to cope and thrive in their perspective situations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization leader?

Seeing results.... in my business seeing the change in the youth and the communities that we serve.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an organization leader?

Having quality staff volunteers and funding.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?

  1. Get a mentor/coach.
  2. Do your homework. Don't take any shortcuts. It's very important that your foundation be solid.
  3. Build a solid team of people that have a passion for what you're doing. Network, network, network.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our heart cry is to be the vehicle to assist our youth and families in overcoming during these trying times.

Where can people find you and your organization?

Website: https://www.catchthemyoung.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTYInc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cty_inc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTYnow8
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catch-them-young-inc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.