About FORGE | FORGE Youth + Family Academy

Whether you’re looking for guidance, mentorship, or a supportive community, FORGE is here to help. Start your journey today and connect with someone who cares.

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Ways to Get Involved
There are several ways to connect with FORGE, depending on your needs and season of life. Our goal is to make support accessible and flexible, meeting you where you are.
Connect for Support
If you or your family are navigating a challenging season, mentorship and guidance may be available to help you move forward with confidence.
Learn About Programs & Resources
Explore the opportunities FORGE offers, including mentorship, education support, life skills guidance, and family-focused resources designed to promote long-term stability.
Partner With FORGE
FORGE welcomes partnerships with families, community members, and organizations who believe in growth, support, and second chances.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is simple: Breaking The Cycle of Bad Choices

We don't pretend the past didn't happen, we just help you move forward from it. Every right decision adds up to something powerful.

Who We Serve

FORGE welcomes youth, young adults, and families navigating uncertainty or major life changes. No matter your background or stage of life, we provide individualized support, encouragement, and practical guidance.

Youth & Young Adults: Guidance for school, careers, and life transitions
Families: Strengthening relationships and building healthy support systems
Individuals Facing Challenges: A safe place to find stability, resources, and mentorship

Why Choose FORGE

FORGE is more than a program—it’s a community of hope, growth, and second chances. We focus on long-term change, relationship-centered support, and walking alongside you through every stage of growth.

Our Approach to Lasting Change

Real growth happens through relationships, consistency, and accountability. We focus on long-term solutions instead of quick fixes, helping individuals break free from old patterns and build a strong foundation for the future.

Relationship-Centered Support: Mentorship that builds trust
Practical Tools for Life: Skills to navigate daily challenges
Sustainable Growth: Encouragement for progress over perfection.

FORGE is a community for youth, young adults, and families navigating tough seasons, big transitions, and fresh starts.

Life doesn't always follow a straight path...and that's okay. At FORGE, we believe that where you've been doesn't define where you're going. We're here to help you break out of old patterns and step into something new, offering mentorship, practical resources, and real-life support. Whether you're trying to finish your education, find stability, or simply need someone in your corner, we support lasting change -- not just temporary solutions.

What is FORGE?

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Below you will find information about our Board of Directors at FORGE.

A proud Wicomico High School graduate, U.S. Air Force veteran, and ordained minister, Robert Shrieves has dedicated his life to serving others through leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. He brings more than 18 years of public service experience, beginning with the Maryland Department of Corrections and continuing today with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division.

As Co-Founder of FORGE, Robert has played a vital role in shaping the organization’s mission, vision, and impact since its founding. Serving as President of the Board and leading numerous programs throughout FORGE’s 10-year history, he has helped create meaningful opportunities for youth and families to grow, connect, and thrive. His leadership has guided initiatives including martial arts and meditation programs, music education and enrichment opportunities, and the long-running FORGE Friday youth program.

Driven by a passion for service and a belief in the potential of every individual, Robert has spent years investing in the next generation through mentorship, character development, and community-building efforts. His unique combination of military service, law enforcement experience, faith-based leadership, and nonprofit work continues to help FORGE fulfill its mission of empowering youth, strengthening families, and creating lasting positive change throughout the community.

BIOGRAPHY & CREDENTIALS

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Robert Shrieves, Veteran, Mentor

A Worcester County native, marketing strategist, and business consultant, Brianna Treadwell has dedicated her career to helping organizations build strong foundations for sustainable growth. As the founder of Atreus Marketing & Design, she has worked with businesses across a wide range of industries, helping them strengthen their brand positioning, optimize operations, improve customer engagement, and implement long-term growth strategies.

Since joining FORGE Youth and Family, Brianna has contributed her expertise in marketing, business development, technology, and organizational systems to support the organization's continued growth and community impact. Her experience includes website development, digital communications, operational planning, strategic partnerships, data analysis, and brand management, all focused on helping organizations maximize their reach and effectiveness.

Professionally, Brianna has guided marketing and growth initiatives for numerous local and regional businesses, helping generate measurable increases in revenue, customer retention, and community engagement. Her work is driven by a passion for connecting strategy with purpose and creating systems that allow organizations to thrive.

As a member of the FORGE Board of Directors, Brianna brings a forward-thinking perspective focused on sustainability, innovation, and community impact. She is committed to helping FORGE continue breaking cycles, strengthening families, and creating meaningful opportunities for youth throughout the region.

BIOGRAPHY & CREDENTIALS

Brianna Treadwell, BSM

A Worcester County native, graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, and Co-Founder of FORGE Youth and Family, Tara Shrieves has spent decades serving and supporting individuals and families throughout our community. Since helping establish FORGE in 2015, she has worked alongside youth, parents, and community partners to create programs that inspire growth, resilience, and positive change.

Tara is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, earning her degree from Liberty University in 2021. She also brings nearly three decades of experience in the legal field, having worked as a paralegal since 1995. Today, she serves with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office as a CARES Team Member, helping victims, witnesses, and their families navigate the legal system with compassion, guidance, and support.

As Co-Founder of FORGE Youth and Family, Tara has developed and implemented numerous programs designed to meet the evolving needs of local youth and families. Her leadership has helped bring impactful initiatives to life, including Ladies to Leaders, Youth in Transition, The Phoenix Project, and many other programs focused on empowerment, personal growth, and community connection.

Driven by a passion for helping others and strengthening families, Tara continues to play a vital role in advancing FORGE’s mission of breaking cycles, building resilience, and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.

BIOGRAPHY & CREDENTIALS

Tara Barrett - Shrieves, LBSW

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An Assistant State’s Attorney for Worcester County’s District Court Division, Tori Cropper brings a strong commitment to justice, public service, and community advocacy. Originally from West Virginia, Tori spent much of her youth vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland, developing a connection to the area that would later become her home.

Following her graduation from law school, Tori relocated to Worcester County and began her career in public service as a prosecutor. Since then, she has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and dedication while serving the residents of Worcester County through the legal system. Her work has provided her with extensive experience navigating complex legal matters, advocating for victims, and supporting the safety and well-being of the community.

As a member of the FORGE Board of Directors, Tori brings valuable legal insight, a passion for helping others, and a strong belief in the importance of investing in youth and families. Her perspective, leadership, and commitment to service help strengthen FORGE’s mission of breaking cycles, building resilience, and creating opportunities for positive growth throughout our community.

BIOGRAPHY & CREDENTIALS