Watts Community Core was established earlier this year in response to a pressing need for safe activities for Nickerson Gardens youths. Nickerson Gardens is a 1,066-unit public housing complex in the Watts neighborhood. The neighborhood’s children deserve mentorship, positive role models, and a safe place to play.
The Los Angeles Sentinel had an exclusive interview with Tanya Dorsey, CEO of Watts Community Core, where she discussed the program’s intention to keep kids out of trouble and teach them skills that will help them prosper in life.
Highlighting the significance of Watts Community Core, Dorsey said, “It’s important, because the kids that are from that neighborhood — and this environment – have a lot of energy, and on top of that energy, they go through a lot themselves.”
She explained that children explore a range of physical activities through the program, such as kickboxing and cardio exercises. The children connect with mentors and advisors—avoiding community gangs.
Watts Community Core contributes to the protection of the youth in Nickerson Gardens. Their devotion guarantees an opportunity for those children to see themselves in a different light.
The CEO of Watts Community Core reflected on the program’s mission and observed, “The outcome would be that these kids will be more confident within themselves. And if we just pay attention to the way they learn and embrace different models of education — we will see that they know more than what we expect them to learn.”
Dorsey also noted the amazing connection that the children have with the mentors and members of the organization because they are local residents and become familiar faces.
Children in the program must attend school, present their report cards, and notify the coaches of any concerns or behavioral issues. The purpose of the program is to see schoolwork improve, bad behavior diminished and gang involvement eliminated — utilizing positive encouragement and counseling. These objectives are monitored throughout the program to assess its impact.
Dorsey showed excitement in announcing one of their latest projects that will be launching soon. Watts Community Core will be creating a summer program to keep youth ahead of the learning curve and protected while school is out. Parents are welcome to look into this program starting Monday, April 10.
Follow Watts Community Core on Instagram, @wattscommunitycore, and visit their website at https://www.wattscommunitycore.org/
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