Our Mission
Our mission is to grow and change complex non-adaptive systems to teach 9 Life Principles (#SAFETY, #RESPECT, #EMPATHY, #LOVE, #HONESTY, #FOCUS, #MATURITY, #CONFIDENCE, #EMPOWERMENT) through four core areas of impact (Education, Arts Self-Development/Social-Emotional Development & Community Service).
Our Purpose
#REALTALK is an outreach program to serve as a community-based resource, bridging gaps and providing various resources and consultation for effective change for all people. It`s purpose is to create a conduit of growth, using their voice through creative mental health awareness, self-design, social emotional workshops, entrepreneurship, arts, education and community service.
WE ARE A MOVEMENT OF CHANGE!
Meet Ashley Watson
Founder / Owner of #REALTALKBRIDGES
Ashley Watson, P-MFT is currently an educational doctoral research practitioner (graduation expectance 2024) has worked with youth, teens and families in the Buffalo Community for over 10 years and has been in this field of work for 14 years. Ashley moved to Buffalo, NY in 2009 from Brooklyn, NY to pursue her Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Buffalo State in Sociology with a concentration in deviance. Ashley graduated with a Master's Degree from Medaille College in Marriage & Family Therapy. Her professional career began in New York City, working with both the RedHook Youth Court and the New York State Correctional Association, advocating for incarcerated and mistreated LGBTQ youth and teens. Excited to continue developing professionally, Ashley has served through non-for-profits throughout the city of Buffalo; beginning with Making Fishers of Men and Women to the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo, where she began as a youth development professional. In 2011, she was promoted to a Prevention Specialist, where she began her intensive journey working with teens and families.
While managing this position, she identified limits in her assessments and development working with youth and teens within their systems. In early 2014 she transitioned into a family support specialist at Say Yes to Education, holding the position at Riverside High School. She assisted with the creation of the Youth Empowerments Support Program, landing a partnership with Erie County. It is during this time she learned the strategic methods of the system, it`s impact on education and mental health in lower income underserved communities.
While understanding the connection between trauma & social emotional development among teens within their homes, schools and community it influenced her research to train and develop enrichment programs. Dedicated to her purpose of healing youth, families and teens impacted by trauma, she founded #REALTALK Inc. An organization impacting complex adaptive systems to teach 9 Life Principles (safety, respect, empathy, love, honesty, confidence, maturity, focus & empowerment) through four core areas of impact (Education, Arts Self-Development/Social-Emotional Development & Community Service). The development of #REALTALK initiated through personal trauma being experienced to later understand and provide a platform for others who would have similar experiences. Currently, Ashley is running her private practice and collaborating with grassroots organizations to bridge the redlining gaps in New York State. Stationed in Elmira, NY and the Buffalo community.
MEET THE TEAM
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Osvaldo DaSilva
CO FOUNDER OF #TEENSWHOCARE
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SOE PHYO
#TEENSWHOCARE MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
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REBEKAH RODRIGUEZ
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF #REALTALK/ FOUNDER OF HOLISTIC MUA
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JALEN LAW
FOUNDER OF THE JALEN LAW COLLECTION/ CO FOUNDER OF A.S.E.D MOVEMENT
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SYMPHONIE CHANEL
FOUNDER OF HER SACRED WAY/CERTIFIED YOGI & DOULA SPECIALIST
HISTORY EST. 2015
#REALTALK was established back in February of 2015. #REALTALK began integrating in local schooling systems to guide the development of teens & families. Young people ages 13-24 are often the most neglected demographic. The 9 divine principles of #REALTALK build a foundation to restoring the culture and movement teens want to experience in public schools as well as afterschool programs. Youth engaged programs and workshops mature self expression, self discovery, humility and the birth of Buffalo`s first team of teen humanitarians #TEENSWHOCARE.
#REALTALK addresses and highlights areas of impact in non-adaptive complex systems; education and after school programs. We believe bridging with schools, organizations/agencies, families and teens mitigates social determinants of health. Our services empower participants through arts educational workshops and #REALTALK: one mic.
#TEENSWHOCARE MEMORIAL
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” Maya Angelou
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In Loving Memory of Malcalm Davis
November 2021
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In Loving Memory of Deron Allen
March 2019
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In Loving Memory of Lewis Brewer aka Luigi
January 2017
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This space was created to allow anyone who was touched by our fallen family to share a feeling, thought or memory about them. Everything that is shared will be added to the website, so others can enjoy the light and legacy that continues to live on in all of us.