Takeema (Keema) Young serves as the Deputy Director, supervising and providing support for all of the New H.O.P.E. CDC programs.

Gifted with the talents of Servant Leadership and teaching, Keema has dedicated her life to helping and being there for others. She has vast experience working with low-income families, therapeutic foster children, and individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Keema has also worked to build and maintain supportive housing for the non-sheltered and mentally challenged community.

"It's my goal in life to be someone others can count on. Regardless of what happened to them in the past, no matter who rejected them, or all the people who may have let them down, it is important that I earn their trust first, and be a consistent person in their life."

This native New Yorker moved to Wilmington in 2014 after earning a Master’s Degree from the Metropolitan College of New York. Her community involvement includes working as a trauma-informed practitioner; where she serves as the founder and executive director for a small non-profit called Fostering Bridges Incorporated, Takeema’s vision is to create trauma-informed environments for children in Foster Care, or those who have experienced trauma, while giving them access to trauma-informed caregivers through training and wrap-around support. Takeema currently serves on the board of Directors for The Healing Place of New Hanover County. 

"What excites me the most about this opportunity is working with our staff and volunteers. All of us have been called to serve! If I can help our team find and discover their potential, then this entire community will benefit."

Keema is the mother of two beautiful daughters and the grandmother to one baby girl! In her spare time, she is an avid reader and enjoys nature walks or spending time at the beach.