South Memphis Alliance Reaccredited with Prestigious Three-Year CARF Accreditation for Community Youth Development Program
Memphis, TN — South Memphis Alliance, Inc. (SMA) proudly announces that it has been reaccredited with a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International for its Community Youth Development program serving children and adolescents. This continued recognition reflects SMA’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered services that empower youth, strengthen families, and uplift communities across Memphis.
CARF accreditation is an internationally recognized mark of excellence that demonstrates an organization’s dedication to continuous improvement, accountability, and positive outcomes for the individuals it serves. The reaccreditation extends through November 30, 2028, recognizing SMA’s strong standards in service delivery, staff development, and program impact.
“For us, this recognition represents more than a milestone — it reflects years of hard work, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the young people and families who trust us every day,” said Tiffany N. Turnage, MSW, Administrator of South Memphis Alliance. “We remain focused on creating opportunities that empower youth to grow, thrive, and build brighter futures.”
Since opening its doors, South Memphis Alliance has provided critical programs and supportive services designed to equip young people with life skills, educational support, workforce readiness, and community-based resources. The organization continues to expand its reach through innovative partnerships, advocacy, and holistic programming rooted in compassion and equity.
SMA encourages community partners, stakeholders, and supporters to join in celebrating this achievement and continuing the shared work of strengthening Memphis communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: South Memphis Alliance, Inc. 1048 South Bellevue Boulevard Memphis, TN 38106
White House — The journey of supporting foster youth has gained remarkable momentum thanks to the advocacy of Melania Trump and President Donald Trump. Through the landmark Executive Order, “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families,” signed on November 13, 2025, significant strides have been made to ensure that foster youth receive the resources and support they need.
This pivotal initiative not only focuses on providing scholarships, employment opportunities, and housing support but also aims to create a more stable and nurturing environment for young individuals transitioning out of foster care. By addressing their unique needs, the initiative empowers foster youth to build brighter futures and overcome the barriers they often face.
At the heart of this movement is the South Memphis Alliance (SMA), an organization dedicated to supporting foster youth from ages 14 to 26. For years, SMA has provided life-skills training, workforce development, and essential resources, impacting thousands of young lives in Shelby County.
The collaboration between Melania Trump and President Trump has further amplified the impact of these programs. Their support has not only brought national attention to the challenges faced by foster youth but has also paved the way for more comprehensive support systems.
As we celebrate this partnership and its impact, SMA remains committed to ensuring that every foster youth has the opportunity to thrive. We are deeply thankful for the dedication of leaders who champion the cause and help us build a brighter future for all.
Tucked away between a vacant warehouse and a busy retail strip is Social Suds Resource Center, a bustling Laundromat operated by the South Memphis Alliance. Just a mile away at Knowledge Quest, school-aged children busy themselves at the after-school urban garden while exploring possibilities within the culinary arts through the Jay Uiberall Culinary Academy. EDGE is proud to have assisted both programs as they work tirelessly to strengthen and revitalize South Memphis.
Small neighborhood businesses and non-profit organizations such as South Memphis Alliance and Knowledge Quest are participants of EDGE’s Inner City Economic Development (ICED) Loan Program. The ICED Loan Program’s purpose is to spark the revitalization of Memphis’s inner-city neighborhood business districts through small forgivable loans to assist with building improvements and business expansion. Financial assistance through the ICED Loan Program will help further develop these organizations’ programs by addressing the physical needs of the facilities.
“While EDGE’s ICED Loan program provides a small amount of financial support; it is the commitment from these businesses and the support from the community that makes these projects successes,” said John Lawrence, EDGE Manager, and Strategic Economic Development Planning.
South Memphis Alliance (SMA) was awarded a $20,000 ICED Loan to help support the Social Suds Resource Center, a Laundromat that provides space for community serving activities such as literacy and tutoring programs, eye screenings, and car-sear distribution. SMA is a non-profit organization that works to improve the health, knowledge, and stability of young people, families, and communities through social services, advocacy, and mentoring. The ICED Loan will help fund parking lot construction, fencing, and landscaping for the facility located at 1231 Walker. Total project costs are estimated to be $38,200.
