From Grief to Purpose
S.O.N. (Surviving Our Neighborhood) was founded in Baltimore, Maryland after the tragic loss of Dakarai Malik "Bonk" Baldwin to gun violence in 2022. His mother, Ebony McClenny, turned unimaginable grief into a mission — to be a voice, a resource, and an outlet for families impacted by the choices their children make.
We are committed to addressing the needs of the entire family as they identify resources to divert their young person from further involving themselves in negative behavior.
Read the Founder's Story"Losing my SON prompted me to want to be a voice for others. A resource. An outlet in the community for those who are impacted by the lifestyle their children choose."
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To provide preventable resources to vulnerable youth & young adults in underserved communities affected by trauma.
Our Vision
A trauma-informed approach that fosters resilience by highlighting individuals' strengths, promoting positive coping strategies, and supporting their journey towards post-traumatic growth — so that vulnerable youth can thrive despite their past experiences.
Our Approach
We meet families where they are — with resources, not judgment. Our trauma-informed methodology walks alongside youth and their families through three stages.
Identify
Working with families to identify resources and build diversion paths that steer young people away from negative behavior.
Support
Connecting families with mental health, counseling, and grieving services through our network of community partnerships.
Empower
Providing educational resources, workforce development, and life skills training that create lasting, positive change.
Changing Lives in Baltimore
Meet Our Board
Ebony McClenny
Founder & President
Chaun'nay Brown
Secretary
Sunny Chambers
Treasurer
Derrell Frazier
General Board
RaShunda Williams
General BoardOrganizations We Stand With
Together we create a stronger safety net for Baltimore families.
