We are celebrating a milestone! Over the last five years, ROSS Leaders has evolved into a safe haven for South Sudanese youth, providing the identity and support they need to thrive. As we reflect on our expansion from Nebraska to North Carolina and back to our roots in South Sudan, we invite you to join us in sustaining this vital mission for the next generation.
Dear Supporters and Friends
We are so excited to celebrate half a decade of making an impact in our community! Together, we have played a pivotal role in reshaping the trajectory of so many young lives. Witnessing the extraordinary achievements of our students, who repeatedly defy the odds, continues to motivate us for the promising future that awaits. To sustain and further our impact, your support is needed now more than ever. I sincerely extend an invitation for you to join us on this next, vital phase of our journey!
Where We Started
Our journey began in 2018, with humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, where we started with a small group of 20 boys. With limited access to facilities, we spent most of our time on blacktop courts, parks, my house garage, and anywhere we could gather. As the bond grew with our students, we noticed that they were not getting the support they needed to excel in the classroom. In response, we began offering tutoring sessions, bringing them on campus with us to Creighton University. As we continued our work, peer leaders like Nyankoor Timothy from Lincoln, Nebraska, realized that South Sudanese youth in the community were silently yearning for a sense of identity and belonging. Answering the call, we developed a holistic program with mentorship and cultural empowerment at its core.
Where We've Been
Word quickly began to spread among our community that ROSS Leaders was a safe haven for youth in our neighborhoods. This is in large part attributed to our chapter expansion and partnerships with leaders such as Majak Wenyin with SO Elite. These collaborations led to the emergence of leaders throughout the country who were inspired to step up and make a difference in their cities. Visionaries like Awal Ajak (Co-Director of the Women's Program) were willing to travel from Des Moines, Iowa to Omaha, NE, advocating for the inclusion of a women's program. Thanks to these passionate leaders, our mission continued to resonate and flourish, reaching important hubs like Manchester, New Hampshire and Greensboro, North Carolina, and beyond.
In 2022, we returned to our roots in South Sudan with the support of our organization's ambassador, Wenyen Gabriel. Working with youth in our homeland served as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mission and our relentless pursuit towards realizing our vision.
Where We Are
As of today, our organization serves over 350 young women and men nationwide, and our mission continues to spread through communities across America. The indispensable support we provide has formed the backbone of our community's success, particularly for our youth. We are deeply appreciative of your support and encouragement. I want you to know that we couldn't have achieved this without you, and our kids will be forever enriched.
