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
Our Impact
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.
Latest highlights & updates
https://youtube.com/shorts/sczJIFvkKH8?si=-s-3Wmuy4NruOS8B
Featured Gallery photos
Training Program
YAF Board Members
Great North Rehabilitation Center
Training Event
Featured Videos
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VsHs6Xg1-h8?feature=sharehttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/mm59KW4yILk?feature=share
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.
Get started
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.
Learn More
Train A 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.
Learn more
Our Impact
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256 participants registered through YAF since 2021.
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185 completed ITC Intensive Training.
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133 completed Group Leaders Training.
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84 certified in the Train-the-Trainer program (Uganda, Zambia, Kenya).
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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.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DZ4aTNjuHW0
Mr. Kanaabi Harunah on School Mental Health & Substance Use Training, Serena Hotel Kampala, April 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YF5IWoP5qWs?feature=share
Honoring ITC Trainers | CMC