About Us

902 Youth Inc. was born out of the personal project initiated by its founder, Roderick Galloway. Roderick recognized that the youth in his community were lacking opportunities and turning to harmful activities as a form of entertainment. Determined to make a positive change, he took it upon himself to create a volunteer-based Dessert Bar and Club that operated every Saturday. With the support of a local Bowling Alley, which provided the space, Roderick organized the event by assembling his own staff, arranging music, and ensuring cleanliness afterward. The initiative aimed to provide a safe and engaging environment for young individuals, diverting their attention from detrimental activities. ​ During this time, Roderick crossed paths with Rebecca, the founder of another local charity called Change. Recognizing their shared passion for helping youth, they began discussing possibilities for collaboration and further support. Roderick's personal journey played a significant role in shaping his dedication to empowering youth. Having experienced various challenging circumstances, including living in homeless shelters, with family members, and on the streets of Atlanta, Roderick gained a unique perspective on the world. It was through the support of individuals, programs, and his own determination that he was able to attend boarding school and later college, despite the obstacles he faced. Grateful for the assistance and opportunities he received along the way, Roderick realized the importance of diversity, challenges, opportunities, community, and support in achieving success. Motivated by his own experiences, he spent two years designing a program that would provide these essential attributes to individuals in need, with a particular focus on young people. ​ Although initially conceived with young people in mind, 902 Youth Inc. is designed as a program for people of all ages. Roderick believes that when individuals work together towards success, they can also work collectively towards building a better future. ​ As the Executive Director and Founder of 902 Youth Inc., Roderick is committed to creating a platform that fosters diversity, provides opportunities, and offers community support to empower individuals from all walks of life. His personal journey serves as a powerful inspiration, fueling his drive to create an organization that supports and uplifts young individuals, just as he was once supported on his own path to success. ​ 902 Youth Inc. is dedicated to providing the attributes necessary for personal growth and success, shaping a brighter future for individuals of all ages. Together, let's work towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and overcome barriers on their journey to success.