ABOUT US

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Up and Over was founded in 2011 by Javonnie Shearn with a simple belief: while many programs help young people become successful students and employees, we must also invest in helping them become emotionally healthy, resilient, and connected human beings.

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Based in the Portland metro area, Up and Over began by providing school assemblies, workshops, and mentoring programs for youth, families, and educators throughout Oregon and Washington. Over the past 14 years, we have reached more than 26,000 young people through presentations, workshops, and mentoring, while partnering with organizations including Oregon Youth Authority, I Have A Dream-Portland, GEAR Up Vancouver, SUN Programs, and Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI).

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At the heart of our work is the belief that when people are emotionally healthy, they are better equipped to make positive choices in every area of life—including relationships, education, employment, and their future.

Prior to 2020, Up and Over provided workshops, presentations, and mentoring programs for middle and high school youth, as well as workshops for educators and families throughout Oregon and Washington. We have a record of successfully delivering these services. A few highlights over the past 14 years include:  reaching over 26,000 youth through our presentations, workshops, and mentoring; developing and facilitating a series of new workshops for parents and incarcerated youth through Oregon Youth Authority; partnering with I Have A Dream-Portland to provide onsite mentoring to their students in Reynolds High School; and collaborations with GEAR Up – Vancouver, SUN Programs, and Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI).