Who We Are
Mission Statement
Community Engagement
Mission Statement
Saving Our Next Generation (S.O.N.G.) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of youth. We believe that shaping the future of a community begins with engaging, educating, and empowering its young members.
Through holistic programs, mentorship, counseling, social services, educational initiatives, and extracurricular activities, S.O.N.G. strives to inspire hope, build resilience, and create opportunities for youth and young adults. Our vision is to transform the next generation into productive, responsible, and engaged citizens who will contribute positively to their communities.
Our Focus
Community Engagement
Mission Statement
At Saving Our Next Generation (S.O.N.G.), we are committed to supporting school-age youth in Washington, D.C., particularly those who may be vulnerable to substance abuse or violence-related behaviors due to peer pressure, mental health challenges, or other social and economic barriers.
Through engaged mentoring, S.O.N.G. empowers youth by providing critical tools and conflict resolution skills to help them navigate difficult situations. Our mentors serve as positive role models, equipping mentees with the knowledge and strategies necessary to make informed decisions and break cycles of negative behavior.
Additionally, Saving Our Most Endangered (S.O.M.E.) offers comprehensive support in education, employment, and vocational training, utilizing interventional mentoring strategies that are both impactful and action-driven.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
S.O.N.G. is deeply embedded in the community, with its President, Paul Winestock, bringing firsthand experience and leadership to the organization’s outreach efforts.
In December 2016, Mr. Winestock was selected as a Mentor Coordinator for the Credible Messenger Initiative with the East of the River Clergy, Police Community Partnership, Inc. (ERCPCP) in collaboration with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Through this initiative, he has worked to foster safe and supportive spaces for youth engagement and conflict resolution.
His dedication to community safety and youth development is evident in his leadership within Ward 5, where he has established Safe Houses—community hubs that provide young people with a secure space to seek guidance and resolve conflicts constructively.
Mr. Winestock has also built strong partnerships with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers in Wards 5 and 7, recognizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and community-based organizations. His commitment to bridging the gap between police and the community was further demonstrated through his participation in the Ward 5 Reclaiming Our Community Peace Walk and Sleep-Out, in partnership with Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie.