Empowering Minds Through Haircare

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TGA x charles drew campus

Since 2021, we have been collaborating with Charles Drew Campus by setting up barbershops and mentorship programs within the schools. We have partnered with I.S. 219, fda III, and Children's Aid to facilitate in-school visits that include financial literacy and cryptocurrency/tokenomics education, alongside professional haircuts and personal grooming products.



The Problems We Address

>1%

African americans made up less than 1 percent of the childrent at the very top.

80%

80 percent of all Special education students being black or hispanic males

2/3

Blackboys receive two-thirds of all school suspensions nationwide - all demographics and both genders considered

35%

African Americans made up about 35% percent of all children raised in the bottom 1% of the income distribution

Who We've Worked With

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Our Services

Career Day Activation

Mentorship and Haircut Activation's

Alternative to Incarceration Programs






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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION & STRUCTURE

Q: What is the Artisan Barber Foundation?

A: It's a 508(c)(1)(a) private foundation I founded to support underserved youth and communities through mental wellness, vocational training, and mentorshipβ€”especially those impacted by incarceration or systemic disadvantage.

Q: How is a 508(c)(1) charity different from a 501(c)(3)?

A: While both are tax-exempt, a 508(c)(1)(a) foundation allows more autonomy, especially around mission-driven messaging, without direct political lobbying. It’s ideal for faith-based or purpose-driven humanitarian programs like ours.

Q: Is the Artisan Barber Foundation faith-based?

A: We operate with values of integrity, restoration, and dignity. While not tied to any one religion, we’re spiritually guided in our mission to heal, uplift, and empower.

Q: How is your nonprofit funded?

A: We’re funded through private donors, foundation grants, small business revenue partnerships, and strategic sponsorships aligned with our values.

Q: What kind of programs do you run?

A: We run career day initiatives with NYC public schools, vocational workshops, mentorship for system-impacted youth, and mental wellness programs tailored for high-risk populations.

CAREER DAY & SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Q: What is your Career Day program about?

A: It introduces studentsβ€”especially young men of colorβ€”to careers in barbering, entrepreneurship, and wellness. We use my own journey to show what’s possible when purpose meets discipline.

Q: Who do you partner with in NYC schools?

A: We work with guidance counselors, career services coordinators, and after-school programs at public high schools and alternative schools.

Q: Do students need experience to join your programs?

A: Not at all. Our goal is to expose students to new ideas and plant seeds. We offer follow-up mentorship for those who show interest in barbering or business.

Q: What age groups do you work with?

A: Primarily high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18), but we also serve older youth through community-based reentry programs.

Q: How does your program impact students long term?

A: Many leave with new confidence and a practical view of entrepreneurship. Some go on to apprentice with us or start career training they never imagined before.

ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION (ATI)

Q: What role do you play in ATI programs?

A: We provide structured vocational education, emotional intelligence training, and mentorship as a restorative alternative to jail or detention, especially for nonviolent offenses.

Q: How do you partner with the criminal justice system?

A: We collaborate with diversion courts, probation departments, and community organizations to serve as a placement site or support resource for youth and young adults.

Q: What outcomes do you track with ATI participants?

A: We look at completion of training, job placement, recidivism reduction, and social-emotional development. The success stories are what fuel our mission.

Q: Are these programs mandatory for participants?

A: Some participants are court-referred, others come voluntarily. Either way, we meet them with empathy and create a path toward purpose and independence.

Q: Do you offer certifications or job placements?

A: We offer vocational certificates in grooming and soft skills training, and we help place committed participants in apprenticeships or employment through our network.

IMPACT & VISION

Q: Why focus on barbering and wellness?

A: Barbering saved my life. It gave me structure, income, and purpose. It’s also a culturally significant, trusted space in our communitiesβ€”perfect for healing and mentorship.

Q: What’s your biggest challenge in this work?

A: Funding sustainable programming and breaking through to systems that don’t always value grassroots healing. But the work is worth it.

Q: What’s your long-term vision?

A: To create wellness-driven vocational centers in every borough that offer a second chance through healing, skill-building, and brotherhood.

Q: How can someone support your mission?

A: Through donations, volunteering, hiring graduates, or even sharing your story. We believe in community-built solutions.

Q: What’s your message to young people in tough situations?

A: You are not your past. There is purpose in your pain. I’ve been where you areβ€”and there’s a way forward if you’re willing to grow.







Some good Words from our CollaboratorsΒ 

"This program is special for our boys"

- Principal - Sabrina CruzΒ 
I.S 219 New Venture School

"We needed something like this in the South Bronx, a lot of the time, schools like ours are overlooked"

- Principal - Sabrina CruzΒ 
I.S 219 New Venture School

"It's amazing to see this group of boys coming together to see what life could be like outside of where they live"

- Principal - Sabrina CruzΒ 
I.S 219 New Venture School

"What's better than free haircuts and talking to successful people"

- Principal - Sabrina CruzΒ 
I.S 219 New Venture School

"We are grateful for these mentors to come on and talk to our youth, it gives them something to look forward to"

- Childrens Aid -Β  Jose Hernandez
I.S 219 New Venture School

"Thank you for making our boys feel special for the day"

- Childrens Aid -Β  Jose Hernandez
I.S 219 New Venture School

"This makes a difference, there is an impact"

- Childrens Aid -Β  Jose Hernandez
I.S 219 New Venture School

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Who we have built

Ways to Support Our Work



Application to work with our Foundation



type of school or program:

What is the primary student population you serve?

What challenges or barriers do your students face when it comes to career exploration or post-high school planning?

Why do you believe a partnership with the Artisan Barber Foundation would benefit your students?

what type of programming are you interested in?

What grade levels would participate in the program?

Preferred days and times for programming?

Are there any existing programs or partnerships at your school this work would complement?

Would your school be open to hosting apprenticeships or ongoing mentoring for select students?