Founded in 2021, Concord-based Project S.T.O.R.Y. serves more than 125 students aged 6–21 from various African and Southeast Asian countries. The organization provides holistic support through youth programming, education, leadership development, and social justice advocacy, all aimed at empowering young people to become leaders and agents of change. Its programs address both immediate needs and long-term growth by connecting underserved youth with a safe and supportive environment along with access to education, transportation, leadership training, and advocacy opportunities. Most importantly, Project S.T.O.R.Y. fosters a sense of belonging, helping participants navigate and overcome challenges such as isolation, trauma, and discrimination. We interviewed Founder & Director Charm Emiko to discuss the organization’s mission and programs. A selection of her answers are below; a full interview is available online.
What does the acronym S.T.O.R.Y. stand for, and how does that shape your approach?
Supporting Talents Of Rising Youth – Project S.T.O.R.Y. empowers and supports youth in developing their character and talents to find their purpose, reach their potential, and become a leader in their community and beyond. By fostering a mindset of optimum character development, youth gain the ability to recognize and understand, both their potential and purpose, guiding them towards success and into future leadership roles..
What are some common barriers youth face when it comes to belonging, confidence, or opportunity in Concord?
The youth we serve face significant challenges and vulnerability due to a combination of factors that affect their safety, well-being, and development. Racism and discrimination remain persistent in our community; many of our students experience exclusion, bias, and systemic & blatant racism every day. The lack of outreach, accessibility, programming, resources, and exclusion from community spaces leaves them without support. They can also face cultural barriers and struggle with language differences, further marginalizing them. Project S.T.O.R.Y. works to address the direct impacts of discrimination and racism by providing supported spaces, anti-racism education and advocacy, structured leadership programming, and emotional support for youth to be protected and empowered.
How does Project S.T.O.R.Y. help children see their culture and identity as strengths?
We have been successful in creating supported spaces for youth education, organizing initiatives, and advocacy planning, and we intend to continue this movement to help ensure safety for marginalized groups. Our young leaders are becoming the agents of change in our communities, and we have worked to secure space and open opportunities for access and social justice. We organize to create necessary societal changes, and our youth gain the realization of their strength in the fight for advocacy and equity, especially when standing together.
What skills or leadership qualities are you most focused on developing?
At the core of Project S.T.O.R.Y.’s model is empowering our youth to lead the work. Through leadership development and advocacy classes, hands-on experience, and various events, our participants learn the skills, knowledge, and confidence to guide them. Our youth maintain primary decision-making power, framing them as leaders. This youth-led approach fosters a sense of ownership and long-term investment.
How does Project S.T.O.R.Y. build bridges between youth, families, and their community?
We are dedicated to making our programs tuition-free, accessible, and inclusive for all our students. Our classes and events are adapted to accommodate diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for participants and their families. Project S.T.O.R.Y. actively works to remove barriers to participation in both our nonprofit work and outside programming. We offer transportation assistance and actively engage with families and caregivers to offer information and address any unique needs or concerns. Project S.T.O.R.Y. also organizes our students to create opportunities for educational community engagement. These experiences allow all community members to gain essential knowledge and appreciate the impact different cultures have in moving us toward the positive transformation of society.
What can someone do to support culturally diverse youth—whether at school, at work, or in community spaces?
Since Concord has limited services, resources, and supported spaces for culturally diverse youth, empowering Project S.T.O.R.Y. and our work will provide a new strategy for our participants and their families. By becoming involved and engaging with us, anyone can help in advancing our mission towards racial and social justice.
🎉 Project S.T.O.R.Y. is excited to invite everyone to their 5th Birthday Celebration and Talent Showcase! This lively event celebrates the impact of the organization’s work through a captivating youth talent show; this will be held on Wednesday, April 29th, at 6 PM at the BNH Stage. Project S.T.O.R.Y.’s youth members will showcase a variety of acts and compete for prizes, and organization leaders will highlight ongoing and upcoming programs and achievements.
To learn more about Project S.T.O.R.Y., visit their website or contact Charm at info@storynh.org.
Incorporated in 1919, New Hampshire’s state capital chamber of commerce—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce—develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances quality of life in the Capital region. As the largest chamber in the state, it is deeply invested in the local community and dedicated to shaping competitive economic development strategy, advocating for policies and projects that benefit the region, and promoting Concord as a culturally vibrant visitor destination.