Youth Be Known is a 501 (c) (3) oganization established in 2015. The organization exists to support and encourage foster and adoptive families. It is our hope, that we touch the lives of every individual we provide services and support too. Over the years, our Founder Chenita Tayborn, has created programs and services that will advance the well-being of the families and children we service. She is dedicated to building and sustaining stable, nurturing families for children in the foster care system and those being adopted. We are mobilizing and preparing our communities for foster care and adoption. It’s the Vision, Drive, and Determination of our Founder, that allows Youth Be Known to fulfill it’s personal and corporate mission.

A little about myself. I am the 8th of 13 children born to a mother addicted to both drugs and alcohol. Due to her addictions, my siblings and I were removed by Child Protective Services. My grandparents stepped up and made the ultimate sacrifice to raise 8 more children after raising 10 of their own. As the years passed, my mom continued to struggle in her addictions and have children. Due to unfortunate circumstances, my younger siblings were placed into foster care. They were eventually adopted by unrelated families which resulted in non-sibling relationships. I’m grateful for the upbringing my grandparents provided, yet it didn’t shield me from the reality of my truth. My truth being a life incomplete, watching my mother struggled in her addictions, an absent father, missing siblings and a world of chaos.

Because of personal experiences, I wanted to be apart of the foster and adoptive communities to bring about change. I started my journey by obtaining a duel license to foster and adopt. Shortly after, I began working in residential services for abused and neglected children, mentoring pregnant and expectant teens, and obtaining my CASA advocacy certification. During this time, I was also fostering numerous children which led to the adoption of my two daughters.