About Us
Strongs Roots. Strong Leaders.
The Brown Barn Project Inc. was founded on the belief that every young person carries a unique strength waiting to be uncovered. We provide a supportive environment where youth can grow, heal, and learn skills that will guide them throughout life. Through mentorship, leadership development, and community involvement, we help young people build confidence and find their voice. Our vision is to plant seed of hope and watch them grow into strong, capable leaders.
Our Story
The Brown Barn Project Inc. was born from a simple but powerful idea: every young person serves a safe place to grow, learn, and discover who they are. This vision began with Aurelia Lyles, who created The Village Mirror Etiquette Program to help youth build confidence, strengthen character, and develop essential life skills. The program quickly became a space where young people felt supported, seen and capable of becoming their best selves.
When the pandemic hit, everything came to an unexpected halt. Although our doors temporarily closed, our commitment to the community never faded. Instead, it gave us time to reflect, rebuild, and return even stronger. Today, we stand as a wiser and more resilient nonprofit organization--rooted in the same mission, but with a broader vision and renewed sense of purpose.
The Brown Barn Project Inc. symbolizes stability, growth, and connection. Just like a barn that shelters, protects, and houses possibility, we provide a space where youth can develop leadership skills, explore new opportunities, and feel empowered to shape their futures. We serve young people 12-18 with mentorship, life-skills training, and community-based programs designed to cultivate strong roots and strong leaders.
Our story continues, and each young person we serve becomes part of a legacy. We are honored to walk alongside them as they discover their purpose, reach their potential, and step confidently toward the future.
