The Jordan Downs Center, powered by Children Mending Hearts, is here to provide a space of empathy and kindness, where the families of Watts can get the resources and support that they need. We want to help not only their basic needs, but their sense of belonging, their esteem needs, and their cognitive needs through appropriate programming.

At the Center we offer The ONE Academy, our after-school program, five days a week. The program provides students with our empathy-led curriculum, including art, physical education, and homework help. Empathy is a positive predictor of reading and math test scores, as well as critical thinking skills. It decreases bullying, aggression, prejudice, and racism. It also prepares kids to be global citizens and is a cited strength in leadership success and excellent performance in the job market.

The ONE Academy has shown proven results with our students. In fact, 100% of students saw literary improvement.

But a huge part of what makes this possible is the fact we give our students food when they arrive each day. Kids need to eat 4-5 times a day, including snacks. And sometimes school lunch may be served as early as 10 AM--five hours before we see them at 3 PM. Hungry children struggle with focus, hyperactivity, retention, and more. All of this and more is why we need help from people like you to make sure that we can continue to provide this service.

Happy, Not Hungry

By Children Mending Hearts Inc

Happy, Not Hungry

Fill Bellies and Minds -- Help Our After-School Students by Making Sure We Can Give Them Food