Achieving Success On Purpose
Our Story
Being a former law enforcement officer, Dr. Kareem Puranda recognized a dire need for mental health services in the communities he served. In 2012, he founded Achieving Success On Purpose, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to help underserved communities in the Charlotte, NC area. Under his leadership, ASOP developed a dedicated team of volunteers and staff members who provide various services throughout the community.
Achieving Success On Purpose is not just a title or motto. It is a way of life that begins with the renewal of your mind. Adversities can be unpredictable, but how you navigate them is what builds character. Hardships can produce resilience and wisdom. Develop the courage to tackle any challenge and be encouraged to achieve success on purpose.
Our Work
B.R.I.C.K.
The B.R.I.C.K. program (Building Reality with Imagination, Curiosity, and Knowledge) is ASOP’s prevention, intervention, and diversion program designed to support at-risk youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system. Through individual, group, and family sessions, youth develop emotional awareness, improve decision making, and build healthier behaviors.
Using evidence-based approaches and structured activities, including life skills development, therapeutic support, and interactive learning, the program addresses the root causes of behavior and equips youth with the tools needed to make positive choices and move forward with confidence.
 Therapeutic Support Each youth receives up to 48 hours of combined individual, family, and group therapy using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Reality Therapy to support emotional growth and positive decision making. |  Parent Workshops Our monthly virtual parent workshops provide parents with tools to better support their child. Topics include parenting styles, mental health, communication, and child development, all designed to strengthen families and improve relationships. |  ChessThrough chess, youth learn how to think strategically, manage emotions, and make better decisions. Structured lessons teach patience, focus, and the importance of thinking through consequences both on and off the board. |
 Paint & PoliticPaint & Politic combines art, mindfulness, and education to help youth express themselves and explore important topics. Through creative expression, youth build confidence, process emotions, and develop a deeper sense of self. |  Expanding HorizonsThrough trips, events, and guest speakers, ASOP exposes youth to new experiences that support growth and learning. These opportunities, combined with therapeutic activities, help build confidence, broaden perspectives, and inspire positive change. |  Building Skills For Life Our life skills classes help youth build confidence, improve communication, and make better decisions. Through practical, real-life learning, youth develop the skills needed to navigate challenges and grow. |
Youth Diversion
ASOP partners with the local police department to provide a youth diversion pathway that focuses on prevention, not punishment. Instead of pushing young people deeper into the justice system, this collaboration redirects youth ages 12–17 with misdemeanor offenses such as theft, simple assault, and school-related incidents into structured support that addresses the root causes of behavior.
Through this partnership, ASOP delivers free mental health therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Trauma-Focused CBT and Reality Therapy, combined with life skills development and community support. The goal is clear: interrupt the cycle early, build emotional awareness, strengthen decision-making, and position youth to move forward with stability, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.
Get Involved
Give
Your donation supports ASOP programs and operations, helping us provide therapy, life skills, and resources to youth while advancing our mission.
Zelle: info@asopnc.org
Shop
Purchasing ASOP apparel directly supports our programs, helping us provide therapy, life skills, and resources to youth in our community.
Volunteer
Your time can change a life. Volunteering with ASOP allows you to support youth, strengthen programs, and be part of meaningful work that creates lasting change in the community.
ASOP Newsletter
Stay connected with ASOP through updates on events, workshops, parenting tips, and impact stories that reflect the real change happening in our community.
Our Impact
ASOP creates meaningful change by equipping youth with the tools needed to make better decisions, manage emotions, and build healthier relationships. Through therapy, life skills programming, and consistent support, young people gain the confidence and awareness to navigate real-life challenges and move in a positive direction.
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1,200+ HOURS In 2025, ASOP delivered over 1,200 direct service hours through individual, family, and group sessions, providing consistent, hands-on support to youth and their families. | 91 YOUTH SERVED In Mecklenburg County, ASOP served youth through a wide network of referral sources, including juvenile court counselors, police departments, school counselors, mental health agencies, and parents, ensuring access to support from multiple entry points. | 90% SATISFACTION ASOP maintains a 90% satisfaction rate among youth and parents, reflecting the quality, impact, and trust built through our programs. |