Starting a non-profit organization focused on helping children was a deeply personal decision shaped by my experiences growing up. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, but I saw many kids around me who didn't have the same opportunities. Whether it was access to education, emotional support, or simply a safe space to grow, these challenges felt urgent, and I knew I wanted to do something about it.
As a child, my parents always emphasized the importance of education— "Go pick up a book; you'd better get a good education!" I migrated to this great land of opportunity in the 1970s, and my first job was weekend relief for a wealthy family in Connecticut. Growing up poor, I was in awe of their home and lifestyle and wondered how they achieved this.
This curiosity led me to read more, listen to talk radio, and attend free seminars on building wealth and spirituality. My conclusion about finance was clear: to build financial security, one must invest in real estate and the stock market and pursue entrepreneurship. On the spiritual side, I learned about the importance of managing the ego and the wisdom of Eastern philosophy.
As I looked around my community, I saw a lot of stress and struggle, much of it rooted in a lack of knowledge—particularly around finance and emotional well-being. I often thought, "If only someone had taught me these things when I was younger." That's when the vision for The Elite Ones Organization (T.E.O.O.), "Elite Ones Kids", was born—a non-profit with the mission to teach children essential life skills, cultural arts, financial empowerment, gratitude, and spirituality.
The specific challenges I aim to address through our non-profit are multifaceted, but we primarily focus on providing underserved children with access to education, mentorship, and emotional well-being programs. Too many children face systemic barriers—whether it's poverty, neglect, or simply a lack of resources—that limit their potential. These issues are critical because, without the right support, many of these kids may never realize their capabilities or break the cycles of adversity they were born into.
My vision for the organization's long-term impact is one where children not only overcome these barriers but thrive in ways that positively transform their families and communities. I believe in the power of investing in children today to create a better tomorrow, and by providing these kids with the tools they need to succeed, we can break generational cycles and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
At Elite Ones Kids, we teach kids that success isn't just about money, as the media often portrays it. True success is about health, family, building rich relationships, and giving back. We also teach that to earn, you first have to learn. If even one child grasps this knowledge, we consider our work successful.
The most rewarding part of running this non-profit has been witnessing firsthand the transformation in a child's life when they are given the right support. Whether it's a child overcoming academic struggles or starting to believe in their future for the first time, these moments of growth are priceless. But it has been challenging. Securing funding, managing resources, and building lasting relationships with communities have all been obstacles that require constant perseverance and creative problem-solving.
One of my most rewarding moments was when a young girl approached me and said, "Aunty D, I'm going to tell Mom to make a budget. I'm not going to say words like 'I'm stressed out' or 'I'm broke'—I'm going to be more positive."
Another story that stands out is of a young boy who joined our after-school mentorship program. When we first met him, he struggled with self-esteem and had fallen behind in school. With consistent mentorship, a safe space to explore his interests, and tutoring support, his grades improved, and more importantly, he began to believe in himself. A year later, he excelled in school and took on a leadership role in our program, helping other kids in the same position he had been in. Seeing his transformation from someone who lacked confidence to a young leader has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It's a reminder that our impact on one child can ripple out and impact the entire community.
Through these stories and experiences, I continue to be inspired by the difference a committed community and targeted support can make in a child's life. It reinforces my belief that when we invest in kids, we invest in a brighter future for all of us.
Of course, as a micro non-profit, our biggest challenges have been securing funding, getting donations, and finding volunteers to offer their time and services. But despite these obstacles, we remain committed to helping children build a foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future.
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