"Mitch Pledger Youth Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through physical, mental, and spiritual development. We provide mentorship, structured training, life skills education, and positive support systems that equip at-risk young people to overcome challenges, build resilience, and discover their full potential. Our goal is to see each individual walk boldly in their purpose and live lives of integrity while making a positive impact wherever they go."
Programs
Beyond Freedom
Mitch Pledger Youth Development operates the Beyond Freedom Program focused on human trafficking in the Southeastern United States. Beyond Freedom trains and assists first responders in victim rescue, and then provides survivors with housing, health and wellness services, life skills training, and medical and legal aid. Our mission is to combat human trafficking through comprehensive awareness and prevention education while providing direct support to survivors. We are committed to empowering individuals by amplifying survivor voices, promoting healing, and fostering informed, resilient communities..
Faith Strong
Faith Strong exists to empower girls ages 12–18 to grow in strength, confidence, character, and faith. Through structured fitness training, mentorship, and life-skills development, we equip young women with the tools to achieve mental and physical wellness, build discipline and accountability, and become resilient leaders. Our programs promote healthy lifestyles, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, self-care, and personal growth in a safe, family-oriented environment. Beyond fitness, we are committed to shaping character through self-defense, etiquette, leadership training, and positive community partnerships—developing strong bodies, strong minds, and strong young women prepared to thrive in every area of life.
NEXT ONE UP
Next One Up a branch of MPYD founded by Phil Rollan, empowers youth--especially young aspiring athletes and those navigating through adversities--to develop strong character. Through mentorship, skill-building, and wellness-focused programs, we equip young people with the confidence, resilience, and tools they need to overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential.
beyond freedom
Beyond Freedom is a comprehensive program of Mitch Pledger Youth Development dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors across the Southeastern United States. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every life has inherent value and that freedom, healing, and restoration are possible after exploitation. Beyond Freedom exists to intervene at every critical point of the trafficking cycle: prevention, rescue, recovery, and long-term restoration. A core component of Beyond Freedom is our work alongside first responders and frontline professionals. We provide specialized training and practical tools to help law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and community partners recognize indicators of human trafficking, respond safely and effectively, and assist in victim rescue. By strengthening awareness and coordination among those most likely to encounter trafficking situations, we help ensure victims are identified sooner and treated with dignity, care, and trauma-informed support. Once a survivor is rescued, Beyond Freedom walks with them through the complex journey of healing and rebuilding. We provide access to safe housing, health and wellness services, and trauma-informed care designed to restore both physical and emotional well-being. Survivors receive life skills training that empowers them toward independence, including education, employment readiness, financial literacy, and personal development. We also connect survivors with essential medical and legal aid, helping them navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming after trauma. Beyond Freedom is more than a program; it is a pathway to hope, stability, and self-sufficiency. We are committed to creating environments where survivors are not defined by what happened to them, but supported in discovering who they are and who they can become. Through collaboration with community partners, donors, and advocates, Beyond Freedom works to break cycles of exploitation and build futures marked by freedom, purpose, and lasting transformation.
faith strong
Faith Strong is a mission-driven organization committed to combating human trafficking through comprehensive awareness, prevention education, and survivor-centered support. Guided by compassion, justice, and hope, Faith Strong exists to bring light to hidden exploitation while equipping individuals and communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to trafficking in meaningful and effective ways. At the heart of Faith Strong is a deep commitment to education and prevention. We provide trauma-informed training, resources, and outreach programs designed to raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking and dispel common myths. By educating youth, families, faith communities, professionals, and community leaders, we help build informed and resilient communities that are better prepared to identify warning signs and take action to protect vulnerable individuals. Faith Strong also prioritizes the voices and experiences of survivors. We believe survivors are not only vital to understanding the realities of trafficking but are also powerful leaders in healing, advocacy, and change. Through storytelling, advocacy initiatives, and supportive programming, we amplify survivor voices while honoring their dignity, strength, and resilience. Survivors are supported in their healing journeys through connections to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that promote restoration and empowerment. Our work is rooted in collaboration. Faith Strong partners with community organizations, faith-based groups, and service providers to ensure survivors receive holistic support and that prevention efforts are far-reaching and sustainable. By fostering unity and shared responsibility, we work to interrupt cycles of exploitation and create pathways toward safety, healing, and long-term freedom. Faith Strong stands as a place of refuge, education, and empowerment. We are dedicated to cultivating communities that are informed, compassionate, and bold in the fight against human trafficking, ensuring every individual is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive beyond survival.
next one up
Next One Up is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through evidence-based programs that support mental health, physical wellness, and personal development. We believe every young person deserves access to guidance, resources, and opportunities that help them grow into confident, resilient, and purpose-driven individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our programs are intentionally designed to address the whole person. Through structured engagement, mentorship, and skill-building activities, Next One Up helps youth strengthen emotional well-being, develop healthy habits, and build the confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges. We integrate evidence-based practices that promote positive decision-making, self-awareness, and coping strategies, ensuring participants receive support that is both effective and sustainable. Mentorship is a cornerstone of Next One Up. By connecting youth with positive role models and trusted mentors, we create safe spaces for encouragement, accountability, and personal growth. These relationships help young people identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and envision a future filled with possibility. Alongside mentorship, our programs emphasize life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and responsibility, equipping youth with tools that extend far beyond the program experience. Next One Up is deeply rooted in community impact. We collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to create supportive environments where youth can thrive. By investing in the well-being and development of young people today, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders, advocates, and change-makers. At Next One Up, we believe in meeting youth where they are and helping them take the next step forward. Through consistent support, intentional programming, and a belief in their potential, we empower young people to rise above challenges, discover their purpose, and become positive contributors to their communities — always striving to be the next one up.
Our Team
Meet the Team
Board President
Gary Smith
Married to my wife Chery for forty-eight years. We have two children and two grandchildren. I am self
employed, owner of Pinson Valley Drafting. I was a licensed realtor for ten years. I went to Ashville High
School, University of Alabama Birmingham, and South Eastern Bible College. I was youth director along
with Chery for twelve years with Senior High, and College Career groups. We have been in ministry for
over thirty years. We attend and are members of OneEighty Church in Springville, Alabama.
Board Member
Sharon Humphrey
For 20 years I have been a realtor, for forty-eight years I have been a mother and for twenty-
two years a grandmother. God blessed me with two beautiful daughters, who are the greatest
achievements of my life. Ultimately, I have been double blessed with three grandsons, (two of
which are twins) and one granddaughter. Without my family, I am nothing.
During my thirty years of being a realtor, a lot of changes in the industry and my personal life
have taken place. I have been instrumental in helping many clients make changes in their lives
as well. What a privilege it is to be allowed to do so. Real estate is more than selling pretty
houses or getting a pay check, it is about forming lasting relationships and so many times a
bond that I no longer call them a client, I call them my friends.
James 4:2-3 in essence says “You have not because you ask not”.
Executive Director
Robert "Coach" George
My name is Robert George. Most people call me “Coach” because of my coaching career. I live
in Irondale, Alabama. I am a retired teacher/coach. I have been married to my wife Brenda
for 47 years and we have a daughter whose name is Megan. We will become grandparents this
year. I attended both Berry High School and Ensley High School. I attended the University of
Alabama Birmingham where I received my degree in secondary education in Comprehensive
Social Science (History). I have a master degree from the University of Montevallo in
Administration of Education. I taught Honors World History, I coached football, basketball, and
track. I was named to the Who’s Who among America’s Teachers (the Best teachers in America
Selected by the Best Students) 1998. I was very proud of being the sponsor for the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes at the schools I worked.
Executive Directors
Phil & Trudi Rollan
Trudi and Phil Rollan opened Iron Beach Gym in 2001 in Irondale, Alabama. Mrs. Rollan and her husband founded Mitch Pledger Youth Development in 2018 with a mission to provide services and support to underserved youth. They created two main projects within MPYD: Next One Up and Beyond Freedom. Beyond Freedom focuses on Human Trafficking in the Southeastern United States and includes support to survivors of childhood human trafficking. Mrs. Rollan formed and leads Beyond Freedom, where she provides health and wellness services, life skills training, and medical and legal aid to survivors of childhood human trafficking. Mrs. Rollan travels throughout the Southeast, educating others and sharing resources on how to recognize human trafficking in public spaces and how to safely report any incidents to the proper authorities for the safe extraction of victims. Trudi is a trained victim advocate, a survivor intake specialist, and a certified Life Coach, assisting victims of human trafficking with all their needs and helping them find their new identities as survivors.
Fitness Director
Sharla Hampton
Services
FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
COMMUNITY TRAINING
The City of Irondale is hosting more than 125 first responders from across the State of Alabama for a training designed to help police, fire, and EMS personnel recognize, rethink, and respond to human trafficking situations, particularly with child victims.
The training is hosted by the Irondale Fire Department and Irondale Police Department in partnership with Irondale’s own Mitch Pledger Youth Development Organization, the Child Trafficking Solutions Project, Children’s Aid Society, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Information about working with victims is being provided by UAB, Children’s Hospital, and local victim advocacy groups.
Attendees had the option of attending the 8-hour training course at the Irondale Civic Center on one of three days this week, August 27-29, 2024. Course topics include human trafficking federal and state laws, case studies, response protocols, evidence collection, victim advocacy, and more.
“With major interstate highways running through our City, we have made it a priority to ensure our Irondale first responders are equipped with the skills and insight to effectively recognize and respond to human trafficking situations,” stated Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. “Our goal is to be leaders in tackling this issue, so we’re proud that we were able to come together with other partners and experts to host a training that is open to first responders from across the state.”
