From Playgrounds to Purpose

As an educator for the past eleven years within Newark Public Schools, I have seen time and time again how students, particularly middle school girls, fail to reach their full potential and often times fall between the cracks. Whether it’s a home environment that does not meet the emotional needs of the child or some other obstacles, these vulnerable girls are missing out on the opportunity to exp

erience a childhood that every child should have…the opportunity to have shelter, be safe, and feel loved. I saw this as my opportunity to give back and inspire someone else as others had done for me. From Playgrounds to Purpose aims to transform and inspire young girls through mentoring, volunteering and community service. Our goal is to support the whole child through education and mentoring. The girls will then pay it forward by volunteering and participating in community service events, thus creating a ‘village’ to support others. The program consists of monthly workshops that will focus on areas relevant to girls between the ages of 10 through 14: i.e. Each workshop will be designed to address specific issues in order to live a positive and autonomous life. Mentors will also be matched to the girls for extra support. From Playgrounds to Purpose, A NJ Nonprofit Corporation, is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.