Meet The Founder & C.E.O.
My background
Takesha Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of You Belong Transitional Services Non-Profit Organization, is a dedicated mother of two, proud grandmother of three, and a loving fiancé with a lifelong commitment to nurturing and community-building. With over 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator and six years as a preschool coach, Takesha has shaped young minds with care and expertise. For the past decade, she has also opened her heart and home as a foster and adoptive mother, extending her passion for children’s well-being to those in need of a supportive family.
Originally from New York, Takesha now calls Charlotte, NC, her home, where she co-founded a Social Club (Gems Of Distinction), dedicated to community service and volunteer work, focusing on uplifting inner-city neighborhoods and those less fortunate or in need. Her dedication to service, education, and family is the hallmark of her impactful life, inspiring those around her and strengthening her community. Together with partners through-out Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas, You Belong Transitional Services is a Non-Profit Organization that was created to instill in our youth...
"From Homeless to Hopeful---Healing One Heart At A Time"
The Cause
The "Cause" is very simple... To spread love, kindness and hope. One person can make a difference--- But an entire community, can make miracles!
The Commitment
“The need is great, especially for older children, older minority children,” Lewis said.
According to a 2023 report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 43% of foster children in North Carolina were emancipated or aged out of the foster care system in 2021.
Lewis says besides fostering, she wants to offer solutions to those children.
“My long-term goal would be to open a transitional home for children who are aging out of foster care because they’re the ones that really need that special help,” Lewis said
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You Belong Transitional Services Mantra: Say It With Us!
Raise Your Head, Stand Tall & Speak With Conviction...
YOU BELONG MANTRA
You are capable of achieving great things.
Open to new possibilities, I embrace today with courage.
Uniquely created, with the power to rise above my circumstances.
Believe in my power, and my ability to succeed and excel.
Every step I take brings me closer to my dreams.
Love, support, kindness and strength surrounds me.
Opportunity is everywhere, and I am ready.
Never giving up, and only glancing back, I keep moving forward.
Greatness is within me; I am more than enough!"
"I am worthy, I am capable, I am strong. I BELONG!”
