Making a difference is paramount at Heart & Sole Performing Arts, a value-based organization that strives to meet children’s most immediate needs and to empower them holistically. CEO and founder Jennifer Dickerson is committed to ensuring the young individuals entrusted to her care thrive emotionally, academically, behaviorally, physically and spiritually.

Heart & Sole offers academic mentoring and tutoring and teaching life skills for success in and out of the classroom. “We make sure every child has the resources and support they need,” says Jennifer, who started the organization with a focus centered around dance and family. She then expanded her focus to well-being and life development of children in the community—providing a safe place to share their feelings.

“Social-emotional support plays a strong role in our efforts to mold young adults into citizens who can be vulnerable and honest with their emotions, but equipped with positive coping skills to handle anything that comes their way in life,” Jennifer says.

Programs are designed to challenge young minds to set the bar higher, with a focus on communication and problem-solving. The organization also promotes movement and fitness as part of one’s spiritual development. Heart & Sole student members have recorded a 45% increase in overall academic success and a 73% improvement in student behavior. “The statistics clearly validate how we make a tangible difference,” she proudly shares.

Overall, Jennifer says, “Heart & Sole gives our student members strategies to overcome adversity and celebrate victories in life.”