Written By JR Robinson

Operation Taking Back 901 is a transformative nonprofit organization in Memphis led by the passionate and resilient Arieale Munson, whose life journey and leadership are empowering youth and families across Shelby County.

Mission and Core Focus

Operation Taking Back 901, founded and directed by Arieale Munson, is dedicated to implementing economic and educational programs aimed at underserved youth and their families in Shelby County. Their broad mission recognizes that true community impact can only be achieved by uplifting both young people and their extended networks, focusing on breaking the cycles of generational disadvantage.

Founder’s Story: Arieale Munson

Raised in the North Memphis community of Klondike, Arieale experienced firsthand the obstacles posed by crime, poverty, and a lack of support networks. She became a mother at 16—a moment that many expected would limit her future. Instead, Arieale defied the odds, working hard to provide for her son, who went on to graduate college, turning her early struggles into a driving force for change and hope.

Arieale's candid testimony shares that her journey was marked by searching for love and identity, the challenges of teen motherhood, and the determination to overcome environmental and societal barriers. She credits her progress to faith, resilience, and the empowering realization that adversity can become the foundation for advocacy and leadership.

Impactful Programs and Services

Operation Taking Back 901 offers a suite of community- and youth-centered services, including:

• Financial literacy education for all ages to build generational wealth.

• Workforce development support for overcoming employment barriers such as criminal justice involvement and vocational challenges.

• Mentorship and a six-week cohort called Uplift Her, which focuses on self-esteem, hygiene, resilience, and exposure through field trips—especially empowering young women to rise above peer pressure and social obstacles.

• A robust benefit screening initiative to directly connect unemployed adults with assistance and career pathways.

Arieale emphasizes that these services are vital in an era of inflation and stagnant opportunity. By teaching practical skills not always acquired at home, the organization helps families and youth develop independence and confidence.

Personal Vision and “Why”

Arieale’s “why” is rooted in her own experiences: she advocates for transparent, real, and relevant interactions, hoping her story of hardship and triumph will deter young women from repeating her mistakes and inspire them to make wiser decisions. She encourages self-love, peer learning, and resilience—letting youth know that starting out disadvantaged “doesn’t determine how you finish.”

Community Collaboration and Advocacy

Munson believes that lasting change requires collaboration across nonprofits, faith leaders, and community stakeholders. She calls for open-mindedness, listening, and genuine partnership, reminding fellow leaders that serving the city’s needs demands incorporating the voices of those impacted most.

Author, Advocate and Change Agent

Arieale Munson is also a published author, with her first book “When Pleasing Has No Purpose” chronicling her journey through adversity and self-discovery in North Memphis. She hopes to show women and girls that circumstances do not define the future—the tests of youth become the testimony of transformation.

How to Participate

Operation Taking Back 901 invites the community to join as volunteers, mentors, and event participants. Families needing assistance can access services by listing “Taking Back 901” when filling out the online benefits screening form. For more information, visit their website or contact 901-401-8355.

Operation Taking Back 901, under Arieale Munson’s dynamic leadership, is reshaping Memphis by investing in the dreams, resilience, and success of its most vulnerable citizens—living proof that hope, resources, and a “village mentality” create brighter futures for all