About us

Neighborhood Change Makers was born out of love, grief, and a deep sense of responsibility. I’ve been working in violence prevention, mentorship, and youth advocacy for years — but what really moved me to start this was seeing how many young people were hurting in silence, with nowhere safe to go and no one they could trust to walk beside them. In my community, I’m known as Auntie — the one young people turn to when things get real, when they need guidance, or just a place to exhale. That trust is sacred to me. I created NCM to turn that relationship into something bigger — a space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported for who they are and who they’re becoming. I started this work to heal what’s been broken and to reduce gun violence by addressing the root causes — trauma, isolation, lack of opportunity, and disconnection. I want to build a culture where youth don’t have to carry pain alone, where they’re leading change in their own neighborhoods, and where healing is just as common as hurt once was. The change I hope to see is generational. I want our young people to grow up knowing their lives matter — not just when they’re gone, but while they’re still here.

Making a difference together

Neighborhood Change Makers stands out by combining culturally-rooted behavioral coaching, youth-led leadership, and a healing-centered drop-in space that empowers young people to thrive. Our unique approach isn’t just a theory — it’s something you feel the moment you walk into the space. We prioritize empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed support in every interaction. A 16-year-old young man was referred to us after multiple suspensions and a near expulsion. Today, he’s known as a leader in his school — the same school that once labeled him a troublemaker. A 14-year-old girl came to one of our youth-led events barely speaking to anyone. That small moment turned into her hosting an open mic night at our center. At NCM, we don’t just change lives — we walk with youth while they build their own path forward.

Our core values

At Neighborhood Change Makers, we are driven by core values that shape our daily work:

  1. Healing-Centered Approach: We prioritize empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed support in every interaction.
  2. Cultural Roots & Identity: We embed culturally-relevant practices and language to foster pride and belonging.
  3. Youth Leadership & Empowerment: We actively create opportunities for youth voices to lead projects, make decisions, and mentor peers.
  4. Community & Family as Foundation: We cultivate strong relationships across generations and sectors, ensuring collaboration and collective care.
  5. Accountability & Transparency: We openly communicate, seek feedback, and adjust programming based on community input.