Three men are engaged in conversation outside a building, with one holding a microphone and the other two listening. The scene takes place on a rainy day with umbrellas in the background, and there is a crowd gathered nearby.

About Us

Urban Promise 901 exists to transform lives by equipping youth and families with hope, opportunity, and purpose through mentorship, education, leadership development, and community partnerships.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to breaking cycles of poverty, violence, and hopelessness by helping every young person discover their God-given potential and build a successful future. Our EIN is 84-3044486.

Keep scrolling to learn more about us and how you can join our mission.

What We Do

  • Our signature mentoring program connects students with caring adults who provide encouragement, accountability, academic support, leadership development, and life skills. Through consistent relationships, students build confidence, character, and a vision for their future.

  • We provide tutoring, homework assistance, academic coaching, and enrichment activities that help students improve classroom performance while preparing for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

  • Healthy families begin with engaged fathers and strong male role models. Through workshops, mentoring, family events, and community partnerships, we encourage fathers to become active, positive influences in the lives of their children.

  • Her Image empowers young women to develop confidence, leadership, healthy self-esteem, and a strong sense of purpose. Through mentoring, educational workshops, and positive relationships, participants are equipped to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

  • This leadership development program helps young men grow into responsible, respectful leaders through character education, mentoring, financial literacy, career exploration, community service, and personal development experiences.

  • We expose students to careers they may never have considered by connecting them with professionals, employers, colleges, and skilled trades. Through job readiness training, career days, internships, and leadership experiences, students begin building a pathway toward economic independence.

  • Throughout the year Urban Promise 901 serves hundreds of families through food distributions, holiday assistance, school supplies, household essentials, community resource fairs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood events that strengthen our city one family at a time.

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Our Impact

Since 2020, Urban Promise 901 has been faithful to our vision of seeing a thriving community in Memphis:

  • 300+ Students Mentored

  • 1,000+ Families Served

  • 100+ Community Volunteers Mobilized

  • 18,000+ Volunteer Hours Invested Annually

Learn more
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Community Partners

We’ve partnered with a number of organizations over the years, including:

  • Memphis-Shelby County Schools

  • Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County

  • Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

  • University of Memphis

  • Walmart

  • Memphis Police & Fire Departments

  • Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Our History

Urban Promise 901 was founded after years of serving young people in schools, churches, and neighborhoods throughout Memphis. Our founders Aaron and Lakisha Litzsey witnessed firsthand that many students were not failing because they lacked ability—they lacked consistent mentors, positive opportunities, and a community that believed in them. Too many young people were being defined by their circumstances instead of their potential.

We established Urban Promise 901 as a nonprofit dedicated to changing that narrative. Drawing from decades of experience in education, youth development, ministry, and community outreach, we focus on providing practical support, meaningful relationships, and life-changing opportunities for children, teenagers, and families.

Today, we partner with schools, businesses, churches, government agencies, and community organizations to mentor students, strengthen families, develop future leaders, and create pathways toward education, careers, and long-term success. Every program is built around one simple belief: when a young person has hope, guidance, and opportunity, their future can change—and so can their community.

Meet The Founders

Aaron Litzsey is an educator, mentor, pastor, and community leader with decades of experience investing in young people throughout Memphis. As a public-school educator and founder of Urban Promise 901, he has dedicated his life to helping students overcome obstacles, discover purpose, and become leaders within their families and communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

Lakisha Litzsey has devoted her career to serving individuals and families through healthcare leadership and community outreach. Her passion for helping others, combined with years of leadership experience, has been instrumental in shaping Urban Promise 901's commitment to serving families with compassion, excellence, and integrity. She holds a Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

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Get Involved

We believe everyone has something to offer when it comes to transforming lives. Will you join us?

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