Support for Black Youth: Healing, Resilience, and Joy at CORRAL
Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy, leadership, and resilience of Black trailblazers whose contributions have shaped our communities, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. At CORRAL, this month is also an opportunity to reflect on how history, healing, and hope intersect in the work we do every day.
Our vision is clear: a world free of intergenerational trauma and systemic marginalization. This vision is deeply connected to Black history and to the lived experiences of many of the girls we serve.
CORRAL exists to create a safe and empowering space for girls who have experienced trauma, instability, or adversity. Since 2008, over 38% of the young women served by CORRAL identify as Black or African American. For these girls, representation matters deeply. Seeing themselves reflected in mentors, leaders, and supportive spaces reinforces a powerful truth: they belong here.
Why This Work Matters
For Black girls and adolescents, the need for safe, affirming, and healing spaces has never been more urgent. National data shows devastating trends in youth mental health: between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates among Black youth ages 10–24 increased by more than 36%. In 2021, suicide became the third leading cause of death for Black youth in this age group. Over the past 25 years, self-reported suicide attempts among Black youth have increased by more than 70%, and from 2011 to 2021, the percentage of Black students injured in a suicide attempt continued to rise while other demographic groups saw no change or a decrease.
Ultimately, we serve girls ages 11–18 during a critical window for intervention, connection, and care. These realities show why trauma-informed, holistic programs are essential.
Overtime, we have seen this fact proven again and again in our programming, as girls who often come to us with no hope, who were given no chance, who should have failed, yet, despite it all, have risen to succeed, with:
- 81% averaging a C or greater in their classes
- 71% involved in positive behaviors
- 84% matriculating to college
- Girls 2+ year in the Program earned an average 3.1 final GPA
CORRAL’s Program at Work
CORRAL girls leave our program knowing that they matter and that they can succeed. We witness the impact of representation and belonging every day. Our staff and mentors are intentional about creating a culture where girls feel affirmed, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Kids like me deserve new experiences too.
– CORRAL Participant
Community Partnerships
Our work would not be possible without the support of community partners who share our commitment to equity, healing, and empowerment.
We are grateful for partners like Lori Jones of Blackology Coffee, a woman-owned, Black coffee brand entering its next season of intentionality and purpose. Their dedication to community, wellness, and connection aligns deeply with CORRAL’s mission. We are also thankful for partners such as Carolina Outreach, whose work serves a diverse population and helps ensure that individuals and families across our community have access to critical mental health and supportive services. As Carolina Outreach shares, “we create an inclusive culture designed to prevent discrimination against all regardless of race, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability status, citizenship, or any other characteristics which makes each person unique.”
Together, these partnerships strengthen CORRAL’s ability to expand access, amplify voices, and remain a place where all girls can feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Looking Forward
As we look ahead, we remain grounded in listening to the voices of our participants, honoring their identities, and continuing to evolve our programs so every girl can thrive.
As we honor Black history this month, we invite you to be part of CORRAL’s future. Learn more about our mission, share our stories, volunteer your time, or consider making a gift to support the young women we serve.
Together, we can continue building a community rooted in equity, healing, and hope.
