Sakura Soirée
We were very fortunate to be part of the Sakura Soirée put on in great style and hospitality by Hana Himura. We had a room filled with friends and supporters. It is always a great opportunity to raise awareness for the work of YouMeWe and introduce Yamakawa-Sensei of Matsubaen, our Ambassador (who is graduating from Tama Art University with his painting as part of the silent auction) in the room and interns for the group.
Little by Little campaign
🌟 Donation Match Alert! 🌟
Exciting news! From April 8-12, when you donate up to $50 to support the incredible community YouMeWe serves, @GlobalGiving will match your generosity at 50% for the Little By Little campaign.
Help us spread the word: share this post with your family and friends to let them know that BIG change can come from little acts of kindness! 💖
YouMeWe empowers local students from institutionalized homes in Tokyo. Our goal? To help them achieve full independence by age 18, equipping them with essential life skills like financial literacy.
Let's unite in our efforts to make a difference, one small act at a time. Together, we can show the world the profound impact of compassion and generosity! 💪 #LittleByLittle
Annual Report 2023-2024
The past fiscal year has been quite eventful for YouMeWe. Check our annual report below to see exactly what we have been up to. Alternatively, you can view, download, and share it in PDF format by clicking this link. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, and lets make this next year even more successful than the last!
Monthly YouMeWe Newsletter and Annual Report - March 2024
The blog has been quiet for a while now, but YouMeWe has been hard at work! This newsletter summarizes all of the things we accomplished in March of this year. The annual report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year has also been included for your convenience. Make sure to follow us on all of our other socials at the bottom of this page (if you do not already) to make sure you are up to date with our projects.
Monthly YouMeWe Newsletter - February 2024
The blog has been quiet for a while now, but YouMeWe has been hard at work! This newsletter summarizes all of the things we accomplished in February of this year. Make sure to follow us on all of our other socials at the bottom of this page (if you do not already) to make sure you are up to date with our projects.
Monthly YouMeWe Newsletter - January 2024
The blog has been quiet for a while now, but YouMeWe has been hard at work! This newsletter summarizes all of the things we accomplished in January of this year. Make sure to follow us on all of our other socials at the bottom of this page (if you do not already) to make sure you are up to date with our projects.
New intern Juri!
Hi everyone! My name is Jurie Matsumoto, and I grew up in Fukuoka, Japan. However, I
studied abroad in Korea for seven years and in the US for two and a half years. I am
currently a senior at Temple University on the Japan campus, majoring in International
Affairs. I am passionate about various cultures and international relations worldwide. I am
eager to contribute my skills to support YouMeWe's mission, particularly in fostering
positive outcomes for children leaving foster care and promoting international
understanding. I look forward to working as a team member at YouMeWe.
New intern Julissa!
Hello Everyone! My name is Julissa Uriostegui, and I am thrilled to be joining YouMeWe in Tokyo as an intern. Growing up in Mexico's vibrant culture has deeply ingrained an appreciation for diverse perspectives and community involvement in me. Currently, as a Senior at Temple University Japan majoring in International Business, I am captivated by the field's potential to bridge global economic dynamics with cultural diversity.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of YouMeWe's dedicated team. My passion for making a difference in the lives of children, especially those in foster care, drives my commitment to this role. I look forward to contributing to YouMeWe's mission of supporting and empowering children in care towards a positive future through education.
New intern Gio!
Hello! My name is Gio Cannegieter, I am a Junior at Temple University Japan Campus majoring in psychological studies and minoring in general business studies. After I graduate, I wish to pursue a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology at a graduate school. In my time here at YouMeWe, I hope to gain valuable first-hand experience by participating in an organization that makes a difference in the world.
Thank you Litharian Wines and Soul Diva!
We extend our gratitude to Litharian Wines and Soul Diva for sponsoring our Fundraising Gala Dinner, featuring family-owned South Australian wines.
Please check their website here: http://www.litharianwines.com.au/
YouMeWe Charity Gala Dinner: An Evening of Compassion and Impact
YouMeWe Charity Gala Dinner: An Evening of Compassion and Impact
Register for YouMeWe’s Charity Gala Dinner, discover how they’re making a difference for underprivileged youth, and check out the event’s silent auction items.
In celebration of the work of YouMeWe, a non-profit organization which has improved opportunities for underprivileged children through emotional and academic support programs, a gala dinner will be held. Attendees can expect a night of entertainment and enlightenment through a series of videos and presentations, accompanied by food and music. During the evening, the NPO hopes to raise awareness of its distinctive approach to aiding all children, regardless of their financial situation, and expanding their horizons.
YouWeMe’s Mission: Transforming Young Lives
YouWeMe is a non-profit organization which works to level the playing field for children who have been deprived of parental support, or do not have the financial backing that can guide them through life. Anchored in that philosophy, YouMeWe has developed methods to nurture these children and prepare them for bright futures, featuring a series of programs to stimulate them academically and emotionally. These programs are geared to encourage digital literacy, in recognition of the importance of this skill in a 21st-century world. Collectively, these programs work to achieve YouMeWe’s cardinal mission: to lead these children to either attending university or technical school, or securing a decent job by the age of 18.
Learn more about YouMeWe: here
Gala Event
On November 21, YouMeWe will host a gala to celebrate the organization’s effort, to thank donors and volunteers for their contributions, and recognize some of the children that the organization supports. Upon entering the 22nd floor of the Salesforce Japan building, guests will be presented with spectacular views of the Imperial Palace and Gardens. The floor is named the Ohana Floor, which is the Hawaiian word for family and is a fitting setting for how YouWeMe is redefining the concept. Along with music, videos, and presentations showcasing the different skills the organization teaches, a spotlight will be placed on the Mark Bell Scholarship Fund, which supports children’s tuition costs. The dress code for the event will be semi-formal.
The night will culminate with a silent auction and raffle, during which attendees can win a variety of prizes. YouMeWe also encourages recommendations for other items to include during the silent auction and raffle, and welcomes any items from attendees who wish to offer them.
The items being auctioned include:
Sapphire and diamond earrings
A Freddie Mercury giclée limited edition print
A vacation stay in Vienna for four nights, for two guests
A microphone signed by Taylor Swift
A vacation stay on the Amalfi Coast for three nights, for four guests
A framed football signed by Christiano Ronaldo
5-star Singapore F1 GP 2024 tickets for two people
Five nights at a Niseko slope-side chalet for eight
Signed and framed Metallica guitar
Presentations & Speeches
Virtuous Spiral 5-Year Plan
This gala marks YouMeWe’s conclusion of its Virtual Spiral 5-year plan, which is dedicated to ensuring children’s health and technology skills. Launched in 2019, the plan consists of five concentrations:
Education: Mentoring, certification, navigation
Health: Prevention, diagnoses, treatment
Access: Resources, connectivity, networking
Security: Person, property, data
Results: A job, creativity, innovation, giving back, retirement
Founder Michael Clemons explained that this program has seen dramatic success: “When we started in this space 5 percent of the homes had Wi-Fi access and I think that 100 percent have access now. Only 9 percent would go on to college vs the national average of 60 percent and that figure is well into the double digits now. The 35 percent who were two grade levels behind their peers is a group that we realize we need to continue to help either through scholarships, coaching, or recruitment.”
Empower Village
YouWeMe recognizes the lasting impact its volunteers have on these young people. Acknowledging this responsibility, Clemons emphasizes that “it is very important to be consistent in the children's lives while they live with principals who retire and staff who rotate. In many ways, YouMeWe is the only consistency they have had in their lives over the years into adulthood.” Based on the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child,” the harmony of a collective support system of volunteers who have a resounding impact on children’s lives will be introduced at the gala as “Empower Village.”
The Mark Bell Scholarship Fund
Posthumously named after Mark Alan Bell, in recognition of his service and philanthropy, the Mark Bell Scholarship Fund’s prime mission is to cover the financial needs of underprivileged children in their post-secondary education. During the evening, YouMeWe hopes to bring awareness to the work and impact this fund has on its beneficiaries, as well as collecting funds.
Mark Alan Bell
At this upcoming “FUNraiser,” YouMeWe wants attendees to understand the necessity of their work. Clemons explained: “We hope to continue to raise awareness on how people can share their time and skill sets.” For Clemons, these support systems and the impact of a caring adult presence are priceless, and at the heart of the organization’s mission.
YouMeWeNPO FUNraiser
Date: Tuesday, November 21
Venue: Ohana Floor, Salesforce Japan Building, 1-1-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Price: ¥15,000–30,000
Tickets: https://3007.zaiko.io/item/359859
Hope in Action: YouMeWe's Approach to Transforming Young Lives
Hope in Action: YouMeWe's Approach to Transforming Young Lives
Discover how this dynamic NPO supports children in care homes emotionally and academically, while preparing them for bright futures.
By Jake Benjamin Roiter
Expanding the opportunities of underprivileged children is the mission that inspires YouMeWe, a non-profit organization (NPO) based in Tokyo. Since 2007, it has been providing support through volunteer staff for young people living in children’s homes across Japan. The NPO has a unique approach to expanding these children’s horizons, including offering financial aid collected through various charitable fundraisers, as well as providing programs which aim to promote digital literacy. The NPO has improved the lives of many children, many of whom have already become successful adults, and they invite you to celebrate their impactful work at a charity gala dinner.
Leveling the Playing Field
The fundamental idea behind YouMeWe is leveling the playing field for financially underprivileged children. Recognizing the challenges that come with poverty, the organization’s volunteer staff work directly with children to nurture their social and emotional development. This brings to life the famous phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child”, and inspires the organization’s personnel, who play active roles in each child’s life and development, sometimes beginning from infancy.
The origin of YouMeWe goes back to founder Michael Clemons’s experience playing Santa in 2007, and being exposed to the reality of orphans and orphanages. “In 2007 we spent time with the kids and I was taken aback at how the children never asked for anything, even when we took them to Disneyland. I hated this as I felt that they deep down did not feel deserving and it was counter to all the other children in the Disney gift shop throwing things over both shoulders into their carts.”
On the left is Michael Clemons, the founder of YouMeWe
This propelled him into philanthropic work with children that benefits them in the long run rather than just keeping them afloat. One key element Clemons discovered would help these children develop skills for adulthood is through technology and digital literacy. By expanding their technical skills and maximizing their access to modern technology, children are prepared for careers in the digital age. In 2008, YouMeWe began installing one computer and printer in a few homes. Going forward, over 1,000 computers strong, the NPO’s Digital Citizenship Program teaches 21st century skills.
Clemons points out that having access to technology is an asset: “Children want to learn in a curious and experiential way, not being talked at in a Socratic classroom environment. By using technology, it is something they can come back to again and again and improve.”
Safeguarding and Support
The mission of YouMeWe is to lead these children to either attending university or technical school, or securing a decent job by the age of 18. Therefore, developing academic skill-sets is a necessity. YouMeWe helps students discover opportunities to maximize their potential through tutoring, internship opportunities and academic transfer counseling
These academically motivated programs are buttressed by support programs which together add to children’s opportunities to become productive and financially independent young adults. For children undergoing post-traumatic stress, YouMeWe pursues the best approach, which is tailored to each child. This usually includes introducing them to coaches, counselors at Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL), or psychiatrists.
Gala Event
On November 21, YouMeWe will host an evening to celebrate the organization’s efforts, thank donors and volunteers for their support, and provide beneficiaries with delightful entertainment. On the Ohana Floor at the top of Salesforce Japan’s building, attendees will take in a breathtaking view of the Imperial Palace and Gardens, while enjoying music and videos showcasing the different skills taught to children. There will be presentations detailing the Mark Bell Scholarship and to introduce the “empower village” philosophy that inspires the organization. There will also be a silent auction and raffle prizes.
Through this gala dinner, YouMeWe hopes to continue to raise awareness about how people can share their time and skill sets. At this “FUNraiser,” YouMeWe wants attendees to try the skills they teach.
Looking into the future of YouMeWe, Clemons’ spotlights how the organization is working to refine their approaches to supporting children. He recognizes that YouMeWe needs to appeal from a top-down approach, aligning with the principles in homes and opening their eyes to what the organization aims to achieve. Furthermore, because a consistent adult presence is crucial in the lives of children, Clemons emphasizes the need for volunteers willing to commit. YouMeWe relies on dedicated volunteers who are passionate about aiding the underprivileged, and giving children the support and attention they need and deserve.
And for Clemons, this is the most important thing for these young people. “The children do not grow up and remember the presents they got at birthdays and Christmas, but rather when an adult took the time to make them feel like their lives mattered.”
Learn more about becoming a YouWeMe volunteer here: https://youmewenpo.org/programs
YouWeMeNPO FUNraiser
Date: Tuesday, November 21
Venue: Salesforce Tower Tokyo
Price: ¥15,000–30,000
To purchase tickets or for more information about YouMeWe’s event, visit: https://3007.zaiko.io/item/359859
A very special Thank you to GOConnect
For all of your support from day one of meeting you. Especially around the promotion of the FUNraiser to the Digital Citizens who follow your work.
Thank you Robert Walters Japan
We truly appreciate your continued support. We had a chance to visit with our Ambassadors who explained how meeting YouMeWe when they were teenagers helped shape their futures. Also, how it has come full circle as they too are teaching skills sets in the homes themselves.
Thank you AWS!
We express our sincere gratitude to Amazon Web Services (AWS) ID&E Innovation Fund for their grant, ensuring YouMeWe continues empowering kids all over Japan, Brazil, and the Philippines.
This grant allows us to continue our mission to make a positive social impact.
We also would like to thank supervisory board member Francesco Frova for helping us with all the steps and introducing us to the AWS fund.
Your donation is an investment in the future of our community, and we are honored to have your support.
Please stay tuned for more updates!
YouMeWe Team.
Move for Mental Health: Tokyo Tower Climb 2023 for TELL
For many years we have kept a close relationship with TELL due to the needs of the aged out youth and their mental health.
We do not know if they reach out to them but as an asset of the community, we make sure they know they are not alone and especially if things get to be more than one can handle on their own..
We also held a video series with the staff of the homes and professionals at TELL to explain the importance of their roles as caregivers for the children, many of whom have suffered trauma.
Life Connection at Lake Yamanaka with St.Joseph's children
We visited Salesforce who created Love Letter Flashcards which were then gifted to the children at St.Francis.
We had over 12 children (champions) and just as many adults join us at Lake Yamanaka to firstly take a bike ride around the lake with the children and then introduced them to the many skill sets at YouMeWe which the younger children have not seen since COVID.
The volunteers worked with the kids, rode bikes, ate ice cream and then after a BBQ we sat and talked to the kids about our careers to inspire them to have their own dreams.
YouMeWe Volunteer (Diplomats) comments:
" Thank you for letting me join. It was such a precious experience."
"It was a lot of fun"
"Thank you for letting us be a part of this"
After breakfast on Sunday, we headed to a mochi rice field for each child paired with an adult cut down the rice stalks which were hung for drying and this was followed by a bento lunch before heading home. Another great experience to see how challenging it is to get rice on the table.
Life Connection with Amazonians of Amazon Japan and champions of Matsubaen
We held a futsal tournament with the champions of Matsubaen.
Some children who are six years old had just arrived a week before at Matsubaen and had their first volunteer event on the Futsal court.
Amazonians sat with the kids as there were many matches over 2 hours followed by a lunch with the children who get to choose what they want to eat which is a special treat.
We then visited Amazon Japan offices who hosted IFCA (International Foster Care Alliance) to discuss Permanency Packs for the kids who age out of the homes and YouMeWe received a donation and 30 backpacks which have been sent to various homes in Japan.
Salesforce
Thank you Salesforce Professionals for making Love Letter flashcards for the children in the home we support!
Thank you CityFootball Group
They were aware that for their games in Japan, there would be some prize money for Man of the Match awards in their games against Yokohama Marinos and Bayern Munich, kindly donated by Docomo and Meji Yasuda.
Unbeknownst to YouMeWe, we were selected to be a shared recipient of a donation of the prize money, should a Manchester City player be awarded the man of the match in the game against Bayern Munich.
They are pleased that Bernardo Silva was awarded Man of the Match in this game.
