Empowering Caregivers. Restoring Hope.

We work with caregivers, educators, and community leaders to strengthen caregiving, reduce stigma and support recovery from substance use and mental health challenges.

Training • Community Support • Advocacy

Who we are
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Our Impact

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School based mental health training

Train a trainer Program

Uganda, Zambia
Kenya & USA

4 Countries

Your Ally Foundation, Inc

Who We Are​

Your Ally Foundation (YAF) is an international non-governmental organization registered in the USA and incorporated in Uganda and Zambia, with expansion into Kenya underway.

We work directly with caregivers, educators, and policymakers to address the burden of caregiving, strengthen community-driven solutions, and advocate for compassionate, non-punitive approaches.

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“Collaborative meeting between the Zambian Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Madam Mainga Kabika and President /Founder of YAF, Ms. Susan Wilkinson.
"Collaborative meeting between Ms. Susan Wilkinson and Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Uganda
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Our Mission

Through collaborations with Policy makers, Educators and the Recovery community, we share knowledge about substance use and related care burden, share resources and tools to support individuals struggling with substance use and mental health conditions.

Our Vision

A society where every caregiver—family, friends, educators, and professionals—feels seen, supported, and equipped with evidence-based tools in stigma-free communities.

Every Hand Held Brings Hope Closer.

Programs & Training

Caregiver Programming

This core initiative strengthens the capacity of professionals and caregivers to effectively support individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges. We deliver this training through a progression of programs, leveraging the evidence-based Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach in partnership with CMC: Foundation for Change.

ITC INTENSIVE TRAINING

A 17-hour, 3-day program introducing caregivers and professionals to ITC principles. Over 200 participants trained since 2021.
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GROUP LEADERS TRAINING

A 12-hour, 4-day program certifying leaders to run community-based ITC support groups. 131 leaders certified to date across Uganda, Zambia, USA, and Kenya.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS
(Led by Certified Group Leaders)

Led by trained group leaders, these provide safe, culturally sensitive spaces for caregivers to share experiences and apply ITC tools.
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Train-the-Trainer (ToT) Program

Led by trained group leaders, these provide safe, culturally sensitive spaces for caregivers to share experiences and apply ITC tools.
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School-Based Mental Health & Substance Use Interventions

This critical program focuses on strengthening the capacity of education professionals to support student mental wellness, recognizing the vital role schools play in early intervention and holistic student development.

Educators Training: Empowering School First Responders

The Educators Training is an intensive program designed to equip all school personnel—including teachers, administrators, school counselors, dormitory staff, and teaching assistants—with practical, evidence-based tools to address mental health and substance use challenges.
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Integrating MOOD Classroom Tools

Your Ally Foundation (YAF) is proud to collaborate with MOOD. They provide MOOD Classroom, a free, evidence-based mental wellness program designed specifically for students in grades 3 through 7 (middle and early high school levels). MOOD Classroom seamlessly integrates into the school day with brief, engaging lessons that require no additional training for teachers.
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Our Impact

  • 256 participants registered through YAF since 2021.

  • 185 completed ITC Intensive Training.

  • 133 completed Group Leaders Training.

  • 84 certified in the Train-the-Trainer program (Uganda, Zambia, Kenya).

  • 112 educators trained in school-based mental health and substance use interventions.

Training

Barbara addressing participants

Our Journey

2019

YAF registered in Massachusetts, USA

2020–2021

Secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the U.S.

2021

Registered as a nonprofit in Uganda

Registered in Zambia

President visited CMC & completed ITC Group Leaders training

2022

First ITC cohort trained (Uganda & Boston)

Second cohort trained 33 individuals

Met with Uganda Boston Community Association for collaboration

2023

Strategic partnership with Kanjela Reformative Center (PS Gender Division)

Graduation for ITC participants in Uganda & Zambia

2024

Partnership with Great North & Kafue Rehabilitation Center (Zambia)

Visits: Chainama Hills Hospital & Adult & Teen Challenge Rehab Center

Needs assessment at Seeta High School – Mbarara (Teachers Training)

Inducted as a corporate member of Rotary Club of Kibuli

Leadership visit to CMC HQ to strengthen global collaboration

Participated in the 7th AGMHI Conference (Nairobi)

Visited Holy Family Rehab Center (Zambia) for collaboration

2025

Expansion into Kenya began

Teachers Training & ToT program conducted in Uganda

Post-training program started; meetings with Ministry of Health (Uganda)

Latest Testimonials & community stories

Feedback from various trainings we have conducted with various stake holders.

Kanaabi Harunah on School Mental Health & Substance Use Training, Serena Hotel Kampala, April 2025

Honoring ITC Trainers | CMC