As the founder of Challenging Our Children Inc., I witnessed firsthand how many young people in our community were falling through the cracks between school and home. I saw too many kids out on the streets between 5 and 8 PM — the hours when gang activity, drug exposure, and peer pressure peak.
I couldn’t sit back and wait for change. I created this organization so no child has to feel unseen, unsafe, or unsupported after school. This is more than a program — it’s a promise to challenge, uplift, and believe in every child, no matter their background or circumstance.
We exist to protect their time, restore their confidence, and help them build a better future — starting today.
— Rory, Founder & Executive Director
Why We Started
Our Mission
To empower youth ages 7–15 through safe, structured, and enriching after-school programs that build self-esteem, emotional resilience, and life skills — especially during the most vulnerable hours of 5 PM to 8 PM.
Our Vision
A world where every child has access to love, guidance, and opportunity beyond the classroom — and where every evening is filled with purpose instead of pressure.