A Movement of Change

#REALTALK’S MISSION

Our mission is to teach 9 Life Principles #SAFETY, #RESPECT, #EMPATHY, #LOVE, #HONESTY, #CONFIDENCE, #MATURITY, #FOCUS & #EMPOWERMENT through four core areas of impact Education, Arts Self-Development/Social-Emotional Development & Community Service.

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Four Core Areas of Impact

Arts

Community Service

Education

Self-Development/Social-Emotional Development

WHO WE WANT TO SERVE?

Letter to those we serve: 13 to 24 years old,

Embodying and embarking on a teenage journey can be over shadowed by the anxieties and command of your every day. However, at #REALTALK we want you to know that you are #SAFE, #RESPECTED, #LOVED and #EMPOWERED. You are our priority! Your voice matters and we want to be a part of your growth journey. #REALTALK being a part of you means that you’ll always have a family, a home a way from home, a safe space where you can be your true authentic self and where you will always be valued. We also want to serve communities across the world bridging together youth, families, and educational systems.

Crowd of young people at a Basketball Tournament and youth are shaking hands with one another.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY AND SUPPORT OUR TEENS.

Every young person deserves safe spaces to grow, heal, and thrive. Your donation helps create culturally competent programs, meaningful experiences, and opportunities that empower teens, young adults, and families through connection, creativity, and community.

You may choose to support or sponsor our annual EmpowerFest or make a lasting impact year-round through The REALTALK Impact Fund.

$250.00
#SAFETY: Help us create a secure, welcoming space. Funds may support event security, sanitation, and peaceful decor.

$500.00
#RESPECT: Promote community care and dignity. Funds may support local food vendors providing free meals to youth and families.

$1,000.00
#LOVE: Spread joy and connection. Funds may support interactive stations, creative zones, and experiences that bring people together.

$1,500.00
#EMPOWERMENT: Celebrate youth voice and achievement. Funds may support event merch, giveaways, and prizes that uplift and inspire.

Custom Amount

Add 3% to help offset processing fees and ensure your full donation directly supports our work and community initiatives.

3% Cover the Fee

EMPOWERFEST SPONSORSHIP TERMS By submitting payment, you support REALTALKBRIDGES Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and participation in EmpowerFest experiences serving teens, young adults, and families. Selection of a sponsorship level confirms acceptance of associated benefits as outlined in the EmpowerFest Sponsorship Package. Contributions may be tax-deductible as permitted by law; consult a tax professional. Payments are non-refundable once planning or promotion begins. Event details may adjust if necessary.

★★★★★

Testimonials

"The team at #REALTALKBridges host community events that aim to support and bring healing to Buffalo youth. I attended an event in summer 2023 and was amazed at the outlets that were provided to the youth to allow them to express emotions and feelings while having fun, all within a safe environment. I look forward to the work this group will continue to do in the future!"

- Ephraim Gardner
"Don't cry but I'm bout to say some real... firstly I wanna say thank you again for everything because without you, M, Ozzie, and everyone the taught me mental development, confidence, communication & everything else I would not have the mind I have today and I would not be the person I am today if I didn't stay connected with y'all and take in what y'all was teaching & showing me. I'm so glad and so greatful I chose you as a mentor I been around winners ever since and it's inspiring fr. At first it was frustrating because I wasn't happy with where my life was feeling like it was headed but now I see wassup I feel the love the support the genuineness I fwu the long way ash & I appreciate you always and love you forever & I'm forever greatful. Like I never had women figures in my life that I felt I respected enough to look up to in a way. But now when I'm older and I really start popping my shit if I'm asked who inspired you as a young adult or whatever imma say "Ashley Watson from #RealTalk" proudly!!. Thank you for absolutely everything that you've done & taught me.!"

- Janisha Whitlock, Lead Program Executive for #REALTALK and Co-Founder of Smash Room
" #realtalkbridges is an amazing program for the youth! This was my second year attending the youth empowerment fest as a intuitive Energy healer, and it is truly such an honor to be invited into this space everytime and connect with the youth and their families! Ashley and her programs have made a lasting g impact not just on myself but my daughter who attends with me every year!"

- Jackie Council
"This organization hosts amazing culturally appropriate events for youth of all ages and backgrounds. This environment is extremely inclusive and safe, and provides a space for individuals to enjoy experiences in the community! I look forward to all of their projects. I highly recommend!"

- Char Char
“It seems like a lot of fun tbh I would come here”

- Uniik Lewis
#Realtalk is a dope community based nonprofit organization that works with and helps youth weather it’s with mental health or fun you can count on #RealTalk to have our youths back. Btw the smashrooms events are so fun can’t wait for the next one.

- Michaun Gray

#REALTALKBRIDGES PROGRAM

#TEENSWHOCARE

The mission is to build stronger teen humanitarians through social justice leadership, reform, and community service. By bridging intersectional generations, celebrating all backgrounds, and fostering principles of self-development.

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#LYRICALLYHEALING

As the expert of your life maybe you have the answers and need assistance finding your voice. Or maybe you are curious about experiences that impact you? Wherever your walk begins Lyrically Healing can move with you.

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The Jalen Law Collection

Utilizes technology and digital arts, including audio and video stimulation, to allow all types of people to engage with his pieces. Art of Social Emotional Development (A.S.E.D) is a collaborative program providing creative and practical strategies in developing social-emotional intelligence skills.

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Her SACRED WAY

Her Sacred Way strives to contribute to improving the overall health of black women through safe, accessible, culturally competent Wellness offerings to underserved populations. All wellness options Her Sacred Way exudes intention, worthiness and is deserving to all.

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Holistic MUA

Rebekah Holistic MUA encompasses safety, confidence, art, wellness and self expression. When with youth, her goal is to develop their self confidence, identity and creativity through art education. She embodies equity inclusion and humility in her artistry.

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#LADISKIP SPORTS

#LadiSkip Sports activates the principles of #REALTALK Inc. to promote healthy lifestyles and assist all athletes develop through active social-emotional, educational, athletic enrichment workshops within their sport of choice.

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Our Partners

#REALTALK serves as a resource for education and mental health purposes; specifically for young people ages 13 to 24 years old in New York and beyond. We hope to bridge with organizations in service of young people specifically teens. We aim to collectively collaborate and commit to supporting, providing and being in service to thrive communities. You can learn more about some of our partners by clicking below.