Truly Valued Receives $135,000 Award from The Henson Fund to Support Youth and Adult Reentry Programs
Truly Valued, Inc. is honored to announce it has received an award from The Henson Fund, which will provide a total of $135,000 in funding to support two of the organization’s cornerstone programs: I AM Academy and RISE Academy. This investment will expand access to critical mentorship, education, and restorative services for youth and adults across the community.
The I AM Academy serves youth annually, ages 10 to 18, with a focus on mentorship, social-emotional skill development, academic engagement, leadership development, and community involvement. Through structured programming and positive role models, I AM Academy empowers young people to build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and develop a strong sense of purpose.
The RISE Academy serves adults annually, primarily incarcerated fathers, by providing restorative justice programming, life skills training, career readiness, wellness sessions, and comprehensive reentry support. The program is designed to promote accountability, personal growth, and successful reintegration into families and the broader community.
“Support from The Henson Fund allows Truly Valued to deepen our impact at two critical points across the lifespan,” said Shavonne Johnson, CEO of Truly Valued. “By investing in both prevention and restoration, we are strengthening families, improving outcomes, and creating safer, healthier communities.”
“Truly Valued’s work deeply aligns with the mission and vision of The Henson Fund,” said Dr. Bianca Harris, Director of Programs for The Henson Fund. “We are honored to support I AM Academy and RISE Academy because they address both prevention and restoration by investing in young people early while also walking alongside adults as they rebuild their lives and families. This two-generational approach to strengthening individuals, families, and communities strongly resonates with our founders, Mary Kay and Joe Henson, who believe in dignity, restoration, and the power of second chances.”
Funding from The Henson Fund will help scale programming, enhance curriculum delivery, and ensure participants receive consistent, high-quality support tailored to their needs.
About Truly Valued, Inc.
Truly Valued, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and restoring individuals and families through evidence-informed programming focused on youth development, family strengthening, and restorative justice.
About The Henson Fund
The Henson Fund supports initiatives that create lasting, positive change by investing in organizations that address critical community needs through innovative and impactful programs.
Photo: Jesse Martinez and family