New stories. new futures.

It's when identity forms, futures take shape, and young people decide who they'll become.

For students in our downtown Phoenix Garfield neighborhood—where nearly 40% of children live below the federal poverty line —these crucial years can feel overwhelming rather than full of possibility.

But here's what we've discovered: when middle schoolers experience belonging, explore their identity, and discover their purpose during these critical years, they don't just transform their own trajectories—they begin to change their families and communities.

Our Three-Phase Student Pathway

BELONGING (5th-8th Grade) - Creating safe spaces where students experience unconditional acceptance and develop healthy routines
IDENTITY (6th-8th Grade) - Guiding students to explore who they are through mentoring, cultural discovery, and healing-focused reflection
PURPOSE (8th Grade) - Empowering students to discover how their unique gifts can serve their community while preparing for high school success

Research shows that children experiencing food insecurity are more likely to struggle with memory and concentration, and middle schoolers facing hunger arrive at school unable to focus on learning. But we also know that identity development is one of the key developmental tasks in adolescence, and when students experience belonging during these formative years, everything changes. We're providing more than programs—we're investing in the most transformative years of young lives.

Every student who walks through our doors in 5th grade will graduate 8th grade knowing they belong, understanding who they are, and equipped to make a difference.

Ready to be part of new stories and new futures in downtown Phoenix?