About Us | Unashamed Inc.

Our Mission

Unashamed, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Connecticut that journeys with current and transitioning foster youth and young adults, between the ages of 14-26, to overcome shame and know they have value and purpose, so they believe they belong in this world.

Our Vision

Our vision is to see Foster Care Youth Alumni dismantle generational cycles and lead healthy productive lives.

EVERY YOUTH NEEDS HOPE!

Our Values

We understand the unique challenges faced by current and transitional foster youth (14-26 years old). We address the core issues of isolation, abandonment, and feelings of worthlessness by fostering a community built on these core values:

Value

We see the inherent worth and potential in every young person we serve. You are not defined by your past experiences or the foster care system.

Trustworthiness

You can rely on us to be dependable, honest, and keep your best interests at heart.

Consistency

We provide a stable and supportive environment where you can count on us to be there for you.

Transparency

We believe in open communication and will always be upfront with you.

Accountability

We take responsibility for our actions and are committed to providing the highest quality of support.

Care

We genuinely care about your well-being and want to see you succeed. We don’t just offer support; we invest in your heart. We understand the weight you carry from your past, the uncertainties of your future, and the fire that burns within you. We're here to walk beside you, not just with resources, but with empathy and genuine care. We believe in your strength and will celebrate your victories, big and small. You're not alone; we're your champions, cheering you on as you build the future you deserve.

Our Promise

We make five promises to every Unashamed youth and young adult:

We love you, even when you hate us.
We will always tell you the truth.
We’ll be with you, until you don’t want to be with us.
You have a choice.
When we say yes, it’s our best yes.

In those five promises, each youth and young adult finds love and support. They find truth and honesty. They find security, and they are served in excellence.

But most importantly, they find hope, and the opportunity to live their life unashamed.

Our Founder

Sana Latrese

At the tender age of 4, Sana and her twin brother were removed from the care of their mother, and placed into the foster care system after it was discovered that Sana was being sex trafficked to support her mother and grandmothers drug addiction. Despite these early setbacks and emotional traumas in her life, Sana has emerged as an unashamed woman, boldly sharing her story. By the grace of God, Sana has impacted hundreds of women all over the United States by sharing her personal journey of denouncing shame and walking through an intense healing journey.

Despite the traumas she faced at a young age, Sana has turned her life around and is now making a positive impact in the lives of others. Through her advocacy work and personal story, she aims to bring awareness to issues such as sex trafficking and the foster care system. Sana's dedication to helping others has led her to work with organizations such as the Department of Labor, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in various roles including as a QPI Champion (Quality Parenting Initiative) and as a speaker and co trainer for the Queen Esther Initiative, a faith-based, foster care and adoption recruitment and support program designed to increase the number of licensed foster and adoptive families in the state of Connecticut.

In 2020, Sana published her memoir, "Everyone Will Know It Was God," where she courageously shares her life story, including the experiences of abuse, foster care, and teenage motherhood. Through her book, Sana hopes to inspire others to overcome their own traumas and find healing.

Sana's work and story have gained recognition from various media outlets, including Sheen Magazine, Voyage Dallas, and AOL.com. In addition, she was honored as one of the 100 Women of Color, celebrating her contributions to the community and the lives of others in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

Sana's personal life is filled with love and stability, as she has been happily married to Joshua for 16 years, and they have two children together, Jamir and Janai. She currently resides in Middletown, Connecticut, where she continues to advocate for those in need and share her story of resilience and hope.