Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76
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At its best, a community invests in the next generation. In Newton County, few organizations embody that idea more clearly than Building Strong Futures (BSF).
On Episode 76 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks, the co-founders and executive directors of Building Strong Futures. The conversation explores how a small idea that began in church nearly 25 years ago grew into a transformative nonprofit organization helping young people prepare for leadership, careers, and college.
Recently named 2026 Organization of the Year by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, BSF continues to expand its impact through leadership workshops, career development opportunities, and life-changing college tours.
But behind the programs and recognition is a simple mission: expose young people to possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves.
From Church Program to Community Movement
Like many meaningful initiatives, Building Strong Futures began with a simple observation.
Michelle Norrington was watching her teenage daughter and noticing something many parents eventually recognize: teenagers often reach the end of high school without truly understanding what comes next.
They may not know how to prepare for college, how to present themselves professionally, or even basic etiquette and leadership skills.
Michelle brought the idea to her friend Monica Banks.
Together, they launched a small program at their church called Building Strong Women.
Their goal was straightforward: teach young women leadership, confidence, etiquette, and life preparation through classes and mentorship.
The program quickly gained traction.
What began with a few girls at church grew into something much larger.
Soon other churches and families across Newton County began asking to participate.
Before long, they were organizing leadership classes, etiquette workshops, and an annual cotillion to celebrate the growth and development of the students involved.
The response was immediate.
And the mission began expanding.
Why the Program Expanded to Include Young Men
By 2015, Michelle and Monica noticed something important.
Parents of boys began asking a simple question:
“When are you going to include our sons?”
At the same time, the founders saw a growing need across the community—not just for etiquette training but for college exposure, leadership development, and career guidance for both boys and girls.
So the organization evolved.
Building Strong Women became Building Strong Futures, opening its programs to all students and expanding its mission to focus on broader youth development.
The name change reflected a deeper vision.
They weren’t just mentoring individuals.
They were building futures—plural.
And they were doing it one student at a time.
What Building Strong Futures Actually Does
Today, Building Strong Futures operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving students across Newton County and the broader metro Atlanta region.
The organization focuses on three core experiences:
Leadership Workshops
Each year begins with a series of workshops designed to prepare students for adulthood.
Topics include:
Financial literacy
College admissions preparation
Professional image and presentation
Career exploration
Parent information sessions
Student leadership panels
Local professionals volunteer their time to speak with students, offering real-world insight into careers and life beyond high school.
For many students, it’s the first time they hear directly from professionals about what different career paths actually look like.
Career Development
The program intentionally exposes students to a wide range of careers.
Not every student will go to college—and the founders acknowledge that openly.
Students may pursue:
College degrees
Trade programs
Entrepreneurship
Technical careers
The key message is simple:
“Find something you love and pursue it.”
By introducing students to professionals from many industries, the program helps them imagine futures they may never have considered.
The Annual College Tour
Perhaps the most powerful component of Building Strong Futures is the annual college tour.
Each year, students travel to visit multiple universities, experiencing campus life firsthand.
These trips include visits to both:
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions)
This intentional exposure helps students explore different academic environments and determine which setting might best fit their goals.
Recent tours have included visits to schools such as:
Duke University
Hampton University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Columbia University
NYU
Medgar Evers College
For many students, these trips are their first time flying on a plane.
Sometimes it’s their first time leaving Georgia.
And occasionally, it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped onto a college campus.
Exposure Changes Everything
One of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea of exposure.
Many students simply don’t know what options exist.
Michelle describes how some participants begin the program unsure whether college is even possible.
But once they step onto a campus—seeing the size, the resources, and the possibilities—their perspective begins to shift.
One student who once had no plans for college now attends Ole Miss studying pharmacy.
Another student discovered a welding program at Georgia Southern University and enrolled there after the tour.
These moments are what keep the founders motivated.
They see students realize something profound:
Their future can be bigger than they imagined.
Building Leaders Who Give Back
One of the most encouraging aspects of Building Strong Futures is what happens after students complete the program.
Many return to help guide the next generation.
In fact, three current board members are former students who went through the original program.
They now help lead the organization and mentor new participants.
Students also return to speak during workshops, sharing their experiences and advice with younger participants.
This cycle of mentorship is intentional.
The founders want students not only to succeed—but to help others succeed as well.
Overcoming the Biggest Barrier: Cost
Despite the program’s success, one of the greatest challenges facing students today is financial access.
College is expensive.
Travel is expensive.
And many families simply cannot afford opportunities like college tours.
That’s why donations are so critical to the organization’s mission.
Every dollar raised goes directly back into the program—helping lower costs for families.
Michelle and Monica emphasize that no one on the board takes a salary.
Everything they do is driven by passion for the community and the students they serve.
Because of generous donations in past years, the organization was able to take 35 students to New York for just $250 per student, covering flights, lodging, and even some meals.
Without funding support, that simply wouldn’t be possible.
A Well-Deserved Honor
This year, the Newton County Chamber of Commerce named Building Strong Futures its 2026 Organization of the Year.
Among more than 700 Chamber-member businesses and organizations, BSF stood out for its long-term commitment to developing young people.
For Michelle and Monica, the award was both surprising and deeply meaningful.
When they started the program at church two decades ago, they never imagined it would grow into something recognized across the entire community.
But the recognition reflects what many families already know:
Building Strong Futures is changing lives.
Looking Toward the Futur
As the organization approaches its 25th anniversary, the founders are thinking carefully about what comes next.
Their hope is that future leaders—especially former students—will continue the work.
The vision is not centered on one generation.
It’s about creating something that outlives them.
Michelle describes it this way:
“We want someone who went through the program to one day lead the tour and carry it forward.”
If that happens, Building Strong Futures will have achieved exactly what its name promises.
Not just strong students.
But strong futures for generations to come.
How You Can Support Building Strong Futures
Building Strong Futures welcomes community support in several ways.
Financial Donations
Donations help reduce costs for students participating in workshops and college tours.
Professional Mentorship
Local professionals are invited to volunteer their expertise by speaking during workshops.
Event Participation
Community members can support the organization by attending fundraising events.
Upcoming Events
BSF Annual Golf Tournament
📍 Cherokee Run Golf Club
📅 May 22
💲 $400 per team | $125 individual
BSF Annual Gala
📍 Georgia Piedmont Technical College
📅 September 19
🎟 Dress-to-impress fundraising event recognizing community partners and supporters
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Building Strong Futures Website
https://www.buildingstrongfutures.org
Building Strong Futures Facebook
(Search: Building Strong Futures)
Building Strong Futures Instagram
(Search: Building Strong Futures)
Sponsors
The Town Square Podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors.
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Whether you’re a student exploring dual enrollment, an adult learner deepening biblical knowledge, or a professional seeking leadership development—Luther Rice offers flexible, fully-online programs designed for your calling. Visit lutherrice.edu.
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