The story of the Dorill Initiative is one of resilience, growth, and profound gratitude. As we reflect on where we stand today, it’s clear that we didn’t get here alone. Our journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of community partners who believed in our vision when it was still in its infancy. Two organizations, in particular, have been instrumental in our evolution: The Loisaida Center and The Lower Eastside Girls Club.
In 2018, Dorill was just beginning to establish itself. Our passion for coaching youth, fostering social emotional learning, and creating opportunities for overlooked communities was strong, but like all grassroots organizations, we needed allies. The Loisaida Center and The Lower Eastside Girls Club became those vital partners.
The Loisaida Center: A Catalyst for Innovation
The Loisaida Center has always been a beacon for cultural preservation, community-building, and advocacy in the Lower East Side. When we approached them in 2018, they embraced us as more than just collaborators; they treated us as part of their family. They gave us space to run our programs, shared their resources, and most importantly, validated our mission.
Through their support, we were able to hone our vision and begin building the framework that would later become the Dorill Initiative as you know it today. They taught us the value of rooting our work in the history of the communities we serve, showing us how to preserve and honor the narratives of those who have been systematically overlooked. They were not only partners but mentors, guiding us through the complexities of starting a nonprofit while also reminding us that the key to longevity is always staying connected to the people.
The Lower Eastside Girls Club: Championing Our Growth
Around the same time, the Lower Eastside Girls Club welcomed us with open arms. Known for their incredible work in empowering young women through education, arts, and social justice, they gave us the space to dream big. They helped us understand the power of nurturing leadership from within, and their holistic approach to youth development became a model for our own programming.
It was through our partnership with the Girls Club that we were able to launch key initiatives that now form the backbone of our organization. They provided us with opportunities to engage with their vibrant community, offering a platform to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Their belief in our mission gave us the confidence to take bold steps, and their collaborative spirit taught us that true change happens when we work together.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As we stand today—having grown from 7 to 25 employees, 1 to 10 programs, and from a $50K operating budget to $1.5M—we reflect on the pivotal role The Loisaida Center and The Lower Eastside Girls Club played in helping us reach this point. Their initial support gave us the foundation to build something lasting, and their continued encouragement has been a source of strength as we’ve navigated the challenges of expanding our mission.
Our work at the Dorill Initiative is rooted in the belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. The Loisaida Center and the Lower Eastside Girls Club share that belief. Together, we are committed to uplifting At-Promise youth, reimagining education, and cultivating a future where every young person has the tools they need to succeed.
We are where we are today because of the village that supported us. As we continue to grow and serve our communities, we carry with us the lessons, values, and partnerships that have shaped our path. To the Loisaida Center, the Lower Eastside Girls Club, and every organization and individual who has believed in us from the beginning: we are forever grateful.
Our journey is far from over, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate, disrupt, and innovate—always with the community at the heart of our work.
Thank you for being part of our story. We would not be here without you.
