Meet Our Leader: Saleem Robinson
Saleem Robinson is the founder and executive director of Gades for Life Youth Outreach. His journey from street life in Chicago to community leadership in Seattle drives our mission to create safer neighborhoods and uplift young lives.
Background & Early Years
Born and raised in Chicago, Saleem experienced the challenges of street life first-hand. These hard lessons shaped his belief: real change comes when those who’ve lived the struggle lead the way. His lived experience forms the foundation of our work.
Vision & Approach
Saleem leads with a trauma-informed, community-driven approach. He believes:
Every youth deserves support and a chance at transformation.
Healing happens best when grounded in hands-on outreach and mentoring.
Change is possible when young people see someone who’s “been there” guiding the way.
Under his guidance, Renegades for Life Youth Outreach offers:
Street outreach & pop-up services in high-need areas.
Mentoring for young adults seeking direction, purpose and growth.
Supportive services to help communities respond when violence occurs.
A bold public-health lens: violence isn’t just crime, it’s a symptom of deeper systemic issues.
Impact Highlights
Saleem and his team regularly engage in public-space outreach in Seattle’s communities impacted by gun violence.
He has publicly spoken about the need to shift how we invest in safety — from enforcement alone to prevention and care.
His lived path gives him insight into the systems youth face, and he uses that insight to build bridges between communities and resources.
Our Commitment
Under Saleem’s leadership, we commit to:
Meeting youth where they are — on the streets, in the schools, in their neighborhoods.
Offering trauma-responsive programs and safe spaces for healing and growth.
Uplifting leadership from those who come from the communities we serve — believing that authentic voices catalyze real change.
Holding ourselves accountable — because transformation must be real, measurable, and equitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What populations do you serve?
A. We work with young adults impacted by – or at risk of – violence, seeking to break cycles and offer alternatives.
Q. How can I get involved?
A. You can partner with our outreach teams, volunteer in mentoring programs, donate to our mission, or help raise awareness of trauma-informed youth work.
Q. How is your approach different?
A. Rather than seeing youth only through the lens of “risk,” we engage their strengths, build community relationships, respond directly to violence with care (not just control), and center lived experience in leadership.
Final Word
Saleem’s personal journey reminds us: transformation is possible. He turned his own story of struggle into a purpose of service. Under his leadership, Renegades for Life Youth Outreach champions the belief that communities hold the power to heal themselves — when given the tools, support, and leadership they deserve.