03/17/2026
Dear Friends and Supporters, join our newsletter to get the latest updates and learn how you can support the Center.
How to join: Scroll to the bottom of the homepage, add your email, and select "subscribe."
https://childrenofminedc.org/.
Read the latest article below.
------------
Every day at Children of Mine Youth Center, 30 young people walk through our doors looking for more than just a program; they are looking for a place where they feel safe, supported, and inspired.
Here, they receive hot meals prepared daily by a dedicated team, explore creativity through art classes twice a week, and learn the rhythms and history of African drumming every Monday afternoon.
Our youth also experience meaningful cultural opportunities that help them see themselves reflected in history, culture, and possibility. This year alone, our students visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, attended movies and local art shows, and traveled to the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum during Black History Month. These experiences help expand their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Our program is rooted in culture, care, and community — and it exists because people like you believe our children deserve the very best opportunities to grow and succeed.
As we prepare for the summer months, we are working to raise $20,000 to continue providing a safe and enriching environment for our youth while school is out.
Summer can be a critical time for young people. With your support, we can ensure our children remain active, engaged, and surrounded by mentors and positive opportunities during the months ahead.
If you are able, we invite you to support this effort and help us continue this important work. You can also help by sharing this message with friends, family, or colleagues who believe in investing in our children and strengthening our community.
Ways you can support our youth
- $100 helps provide program supplies for our students
- $500 supports arts, cultural programming, and activities
- $1,000 helps provide daily meals (snack and dinner)
Together, we can continue creating a place where our youth feel valued, supported, and empowered for success.
With gratitude,
Marcus Ponder
Board President
Children of Mine Youth Center