The I AM NEXT team celebrated their new brand, new look, and new beginning at a launch event in Nashville alongside board members, donors, volunteers, and other supporters, reaffirming the organization’s longstanding mission — helping former foster youths secure stable futures — and how vital the community’s contributions are to that mission.
“Thank you for caring, thank you for your passion. Thank you for all that you do,” said Kobe McCoin, I AM NEXT’s Development Administrator and Lived Experience Expert and a onetime recipient of the organization’s support. “Most importantly, thank you for giving kids like me an opportunity to proudly proclaim that I. AM. NEXT.”
Why Rebrand?
If the organization’s core intent, mission, and vision haven’t changed, why relaunch under a new name?
Fundamentally, it’s to align our outward identity with the organization’s focus: the former foster youths we’re committed to serving.
The work we do centers in the bright future of these kids — in all the inspiring things they’ll achieve, through their strength and commitment and with our support.
Our kids are our purpose. Our kids are why we strive to do more and reach further. Our kids are who we are.
So our identity should reflect that. It should speak in their voice.
Their voices are what we all need to hear — from our core community to the people who aren’t yet aware of our work and this mission.
Their voices are vital. And their message is: I AM NEXT.
Why Support I AM NEXT?
Seeing a child reunified with their birth family or being adopted by a foster parent — finding permanency — is everyone’s goal. But life doesn’t always work out that way.
More than 1,000 youth age out of foster care every year in Tennessee. They face adulthood without a sense of belonging — as well as the support system that goes along with having family or caring adults they can turn to for guidance.
I AM NEXT aims to provide youth transitioning beyond foster care a surer path to long-term independence and a successful adulthood.
We’re providing:
- Expanded access to quality housing
- Continued case management and other supports
- Comprehensive life-skills programs that help youth to “learn by doing”
- Access to hands-on experiential learning programs like STEM Scouts and Exploring Posts, which provide opportunities for career exploration
How You Can Help
If our mission connects with you, you can support I AM NEXT and the former foster youths we work with as a volunteer or donor.
Your generosity makes our work possible, and helps our kids reach their potential.
We also invite you to connect with our team to discuss how you can partner. Partnerships with I AM NEXT can range from in-kind donations to job training programs, and more.
We’re grateful for our community and your commitment to this mission. And we’re all looking forward to seeing what’s NEXT.
