Reclaiming the Harriman Clubhouse: A Restorative Partnership Between Dorill Initiative, Boys’ Club of New York, and The Joyce Theater
New York City has always been a cultural melting pot, a place where creativity, community, and resilience intersect. In the heart of the Lower East Side, we are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership that honors that legacy: the Dorill Initiative, the Boys Club of New York (BCNY), and The Joyce Theater are joining forces […]
Navigating a Growth Mindset as a Leader of Color in Arts Education and Youth Development
As a leader of color working in the nonprofit sector—especially in the fields of arts education and youth development—cultivating a growth mindset is not just essential for personal growth, but critical to the survival and flourishing of our communities. In the face of systemic barriers, historical inequities, and the daily challenges of leadership, a growth […]
A Journey Rooted in Community Support and Collaboration
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 […]
Upholding Rigor and Culture in Arts Education: A Pathway for Overlooked Communities
In a world where education is often assessed through a narrow lens of test scores and traditional academic subjects, the value of arts education is frequently underestimated—especially in underestimated and overlooked communities. Yet, it is within these very communities that arts education has the potential to ignite the imagination, inspire resilience, and pave pathways toward […]
The Importance of Funding Grassroots Organizations, Especially Those Rooted in Community and Led by People of Color
Grassroots organizations are the lifeblood of communities. These small but mighty groups, often deeply rooted in their neighborhoods, have an innate understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. Yet, despite their transformative work, they are frequently overlooked by funders who favor large, well-established nonprofits. This trend is particularly detrimental to grassroots […]
The Importance of a Social Media Detox for Youth Individualization
In today’s digital world, social media has become a cornerstone of how we interact, share, and communicate. For young people, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat serve as major tools for self-expression and connection, shaping their social and emotional development. However, while social media can offer opportunities for creativity and connection, it also has the […]
Restorative Partnership: The Dorill Initiative and Grand Street Settlement
In the world of grassroots organizations, collaboration isn’t just a strategy—it’s a lifeline for sustainable change. At the Dorill Initiative, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive lasting impact, especially when it comes to serving the youth and families in our communities. Our restorative partnership with Grand Street Settlement exemplifies this shared vision, […]
From CHARAS to Dorill: A Legacy of Grassroots Movements in the Lower East Side
The Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan has always been a neighborhood rich in history, culture, and activism. From its roots as a working-class, immigrant community, it has seen waves of transformation shaped by the resilience and unity of its residents. At the heart of this community-driven activism is a legacy that begins with CHARAS […]
A Disruptive Approach to Healing-Centered, Culturally Responsive Arts Education
The Dorill Initiative isn’t your typical youth development program. We exist to challenge the traditional frameworks that often miss the mark for overlooked youth. At Dorill, we believe in going beyond conventional approaches, especially when it comes to fostering the growth and potential of At-Promise Youth. Our mission is simple but bold: to create a […]