At Mama Lela's House, we are dedicated to empowering children and families by ensuring every student starts the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed. Through our annual back-to-school initiative, we provide essential school supplies, backpacks, and a sense of community. By helping students feel confident, prepared, and valued, we’re building brighter futures, one backpack and fresh look at a time. 

“Tools and Transformations: Empowering Inwood’s Youth”

  We are excited to introduce Mama Lela's House, a new nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities and building confidence for young minds in our community. As part of our mission, we’re launching our very first initiative:

“Tools and Transformations: Empowering Inwood’s Youth," a program designed to equip middle school students in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan with the tools they need to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

   This initiative isn’t just about school supplies; it’s about preparing students for success and boosting their confidence. 

Our Goal: Raise $5,000 to provide:

• Backpack

• Notebooks & folders

• Pens, pencils, highlighters

• Calculator

• Art supplies

Every $50 raised supports one student with supplies and services that promote readiness, confidence, and success. This year we will be sponsoring 2 schools within the Inwood Community for a total of 100 students (projected)

Impact Metric:

✔️ 100 students begin the school year with all required classroom supplies

✔️ 100% of participating students report feeling “prepared for school”

Why This Matters:

   Inwood is a vibrant community, but many families face financial barriers that make back-to-school preparations stressful. Without the right supplies or access to services like haircuts, students can feel discouraged and less confident. Together, we can change that.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Just $50 can provide a backpack, supplies, or a hair services for one student.

2. Sponsor a Student: Pledge to support one or more students as they head back to school.

3. Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues.

Make a Difference Today:

  Visit here to donate or learn more about how you can support the “Tools and Transformations: Empowering Inwood’s Youth” initiative. Every dollar brings us closer to ensuring these students have the resources and confidence to succeed. Together, we can empower Inwood’s youth to walk into their classrooms with their heads held high, ready to take on the world. 

  Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey. Your support means everything to us—and to the children whose futures you’re helping to shape.

With gratitude,

Mama Lela's House

Confidence. Care. Community