Welcome to Intersections - where faith inspires transformation
ABOUT
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In 2002, a group of teenagers put feet to their faith to pray for a computer lab that they could access for after-school homework. Within weeks, their quiet conviction became a reality when the community responded by providing a fully furnished computer lab with desks, chairs, and computers. In that moment, we learned that small beginnings can move mountains.
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From those humble roots, Intersections grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families. Guided by Samoan values of service, respect, and collective responsibility, we pair cultural strengths with rigorously tested, evidence-based programs. Our innovative prevention models equip young people to make healthy choices, foster social responsibility, and step confidently into leadership roles - creating a new paradigm that young people are part of the solution.
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Our work is more than intervention—it’s a testament that vision plus action transforms challenges into opportunities, and despair into hope—one life at a time.
Join us at Intersections and be part of the journey from possibility to reality—because when faith inspires action, anything is possible.
our Mission
“To make lasting positive differences in the lives of children and families by empowering them to break the mindset of poverty.”
Inspired by Jeremiah 6:16—“Stand at the crossroads and ask where the good way is; walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”—Intersections was born when rising juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, bullying, suicide, and other risky behaviors converged, leaving young people at critical crossroads and under immense pressure to choose their path.
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As Payne (2019) explains in A Framework for Understanding Poverty (6th ed), the poverty mindset isn’t just a lack of money—it’s a set of hidden rules and thought patterns (survival focus, present-time decisions, belief in fate over choice, and using resources to maintain relationships) that often persist even as circumstances improve.
Our mission is to replace reactive, short-term responses with vision, planning, and personal agency. Through culturally grounded, evidence-based programs, we help young people:
Set and pursue long-term goals
Develop planning and organizational skills
Take ownership of their choices
Lead with strength, service, and social responsibility
OUR VISION
Intersections envisions a community where young people are empowered to cultivate their God-given gifts—in spirit, mind, and body. We believe each generation has a sacred duty to build a brighter tomorrow by passing its knowledge, skills, and wisdom to the next.
programs
At Intersections, we believe that when young people are equipped with knowledge, guided by values, and affirmed in their identity, they are empowered to live with purpose and responsibility.
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SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE EDUCATION
Our Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) program promotes healthy decision-making, strengthens families, and upholds the cultural values that shape our community. Rather than assuming teens will be sexually active, SRAE takes a prevention-first approach—providing youth with the knowledge, skills, and moral foundation to delay sexual activity and make choices that reflect their long-term goals, personal identity, and faith.
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ELEVATE PARENTING TALKS
Intersections believes parents are a child’s first—and most powerful—role models. A parent’s guidance is essential for helping young people make healthy choices, and we’re here to support you in that vital role. Our Elevate Parenting Talks provide clear information, practical tools, and compassionate encouragement…
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TUPULAGA TA’IALA: A Peer Leadership & Positive Youth Development Program
At Intersections, we believe true change begins with young people who are empowered to lead. Tupulaga Ta’iala—meaning “youth guide” in Samoan—is a bold expression of that belief. The Tupulaga Ta’iala Peer Leadership and Positive Youth Development Program (TA’IALA) was created to cultivate confident high school students who speak out against risky behaviors and serve as positive role models in their schools and communities…
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Sexual Violence
Despite the myths that often surround it, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Survivors may experience fear, shame, confusion, or anger—but support is available, and healing is possible…
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Amerika Samoa Language Academy
Explore our Certification of Proficiency to Teach Samoan Language and Learn How Youth are Revitalizing Gagana Sāmoa. Interested in Learning Samoan? Click here to explore classes, resources and opportunities to connect with the language and culture.
The Intersections Podcast
Latest Updates / Blog
you can help
Intersections welcomes collaborations with community, faith-based, and public agencies to ensure our children and grandchildren grow up in healthy, supportive families. Grounded in our cultural strengths, our programs harness adolescent innovation and creativity—fostering vital social, cultural, and psychological benefits. Interested in collaborating on a project? Contact us to explore partnership opportunities and create meaningful impact together.
GIVING BACK
Intersections, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in American Samoa. We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering young people to discover their God-given potential, make healthy choices, and pursue their goals free from the distractions of risky behaviors.
Your donation fuels life-changing programs that educate, inspire, and equip our youth for success—both in the classroom and in life. Every gift is fully tax-deductible and directly impacts the next generation of leaders.
Be part of the change. Give today. Click on the link below to make a donation:
Our Donor Privacy Promise
We respect your privacy: we never sell, share, or trade donor information, nor send mailings on behalf of other organizations. Any data needed to process your gift is used solely for that purpose.
Thank you for partnering with us to nurture hope, resilience, and opportunity among our young people
DISCLAIMER
This website is supported by Grant Number 90SR0167 from the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).
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The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Family and Youth Services Bureau.
