Our Mission
To reduce recidivism and negative behavior by equipping the Youth with mentorship and opportunities, and to inspire the Youth to create fresh resolutions concerning community issues and education.
Latest News
AYO has endorsed its support for the draft legislation of the Community Health Worker Access Act (PDF), which would "improve access to CHW services for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees, address preventable diseases and disparities that drive health spending, and improve the delivery of coordinated, whole-person care."
At Sokoto House, the lowercase leaders will host another Completely Free Community Market on December 16 and 17 from 10am to 5pm. Donated goods drop-off is on Friday, December 15 from 5-8pm. This event will be followed on Monday, December 18 with a Kindness Boxes Giveaway from noon to 4pm.
AYO held a 2023 Ecology Event on October 10 aimed at addressing the pressing issues of environmental degredation, specifically focusing on the negative impacts of Gen X and the initiatives and policies that can help us build a cleaner environment. Environmentalists, ecology scientists, and grassroots organizations will share their insights, solutions, and resources with the community.
AYO is proud to be a principle coordinator for the Cape Fear's Comprehensive CommUnity Violence Prevention Strategy (CCCVPS), along with Quality Life Blueprint and Lily Nicole Nichelle.
CCCVPS is an initiative and implementation plan based on successful, evidence-based curricula to benefit the community as a priority, as well as address New Hanover County's acknowledgement of racism as a public health crisis and provide a solution to answer the City of Wilmington's call to action through the Rise Together Initiative.
What is AYO?
We are a youth-focused community resource center with educational programs and resources for school ages 6 to young adults age 26. We are located at the Sokoto House in the heart of Wilmington, NC, across the street from the Hilcrest Housing Development and near Williston Middle School.
Our Programs
AYO hosts a number of youth and young adult development programs and activities, from fun and engaging youth-centric events to vocational training courses.
Support AYO
Monetary donations, volunteer time, and spreading our mission through word-of-mouth is greatly appreciated. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of our supporters.
Featured Endorsements
Vance Williams, Executive Director of AYO, and Sokoto House has been recognized by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 417 as a valued partner.
The Sokoto House, located at 1219 Dawson Street in Wilmington, NC has been a host to IATSE Local 417 during our union organizing efforts and our continuous workforce training and development over the 2021-2022 calendar cycles. With the help of Vance Williams and the Sokoto House community activation team, we, the members of IATSE Local 417 have found safe harbor and devoted ourselves in alliance with the missions of The Sokoto House.
Vance and Sokoto House has also been endorsed by Midway Parking, LLC as a valued partner.
Vance and The Sokoto House came highly recommended through my Events Coordinator, and since we've begun a partnership with them, I cannot recommend their services highly enough.
Community Advocacy
In addition to being a constant advocate on behalf of youth, AYO also supports and advocates for local underserved communities and community-based organizations.
The following videos highlight AYO's Rock Hill Community Initiative, as they continue to help push for access to clean water and other resources.
