In the heart of Memphis, poverty and violent crime aren’t just statistics—they are realities that many young people face every single day. Over 28% of our city’s population lives in poverty, and violent crime rates are more than three times the national average. But behind these numbers are real lives, full of untapped potential, waiting for an opportunity to break free from the cycle of adversity.

At Goodwin Village, we see that potential. We see the young people in our community who are often overlooked—those who are trapped in circumstances that seem impossible to escape. They’ve been told what they can’t do for far too long. But we know that with the right tools, support, and guidance, they can rewrite their stories.

We believe that every young person has a story worth telling. Through our Innovative Media Arts Programs, Goodwin Village gives youth and young adults the skills and confidence to tell those stories. Whether through the lens of a camera, the sound of a podcast, or the creativity of video gaming, our participants are finding new ways to express themselves, heal from trauma, and break free from cycles of poverty and violence. But more than just self-expression, these skills are opening doors to lucrative careers in industries that they never imagined possible.

Initiation Campaign

By Goodwin Village

Initiation Campaign