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 supplies, fresh haircuts, shampoo and conditioning treatments, and a sense of community. By helping students feel clean, 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. That’s why we’re combining essential back-to-school items with another crucial element: free haircuts. A fresh haircut can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem, helping them step into the new school year feeling prepared, proud, and ready to shine.

Our Goal: Raise $10,000 to provide:

• fully stocked backpacks with school essentials like notebooks, pens, calculators, and art supplies.

• professional haircuts/hairservice to ensure every student looks and feels their best.

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.

4. Volunteer: Join us in packing backpacks or helping on hair day.

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

  P.S. Help us reach our goal by June 1st,  2025 to ensure every student is ready for their first day of school. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!