Our programs empower children to maximize their potential by focusing on their Social and Emotional Learning and Character Development (SELCD). Our programs combine a safe and collaborative environment with enriching and engaging activities that provide the skills, knowledge, and mindset to help them succeed in life while also learning to be positive members of society.
To empower every child to be the best version of themselves and a positive and influential member of society through internal discovery, growth, and action.
We seek to serve communities nationwide through partnerships with underfunded schools and community organizations to equip children and youth with the skills and mindset to succeed in life.
Founders and Co-Executive Directors, John Calve and Gladys Henriquez, understand the critical importance of SELCD and are passionate about bringing such programs to schools and community organizations around the country.
Both Gladys and John are extremely passionate about helping others, and their work is a direct representation of their drive to make the world a more equitable and loving place.
John is a National Director for Robert Half supporting the Apprenticeship & Workforce Innovation program to help employers address critical skills gaps and provide upskilling and career opportunities to people in underrepresented communities.
A former member of the CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship. He comes from a background in consulting and project management and has a degree in Economics from Washington and Lee University. John is also a singer and songwriter for socially conscious rock band, Anchorlot.
Gladys is a certified instructor in Social Emotional Learning and Character Development. She is also certified in mental health first aid for youth. Gladys graduated Magna Cum Laude from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University.
She migrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 14 and she is trilingual (English, Spanish and French). As an activist and owner of Know My Rights Clothing, her focus has been to create awareness and get conversations started on various social justice topics.
Board President
Board Vice President
Board Vice President
We are a proud partner of Project Hospitality >
Project Hospitality is a Staten Island nonprofit offering “compassionate care that begins with street outreach, shelter, and soup kitchen and food pantry, and extends to treatment, other clinical and support services, and transitional and permanent supportive housing.”
Through our partnership, we help provide social and emotional coaching and support to their younger and most vulnerable members.
Gladys and John have helped us provide a much-needed service to some of the children and families in our community. Their SEL program has been very informative, engaging, and fun. They work closely with us to make sure our counselors are prepared in advance of each session by providing educational materials and handouts for the children and parents. We love that they run their groups in both English and Spanish. We are excited to continue to work with them and grow our SEL program.