In a neighborhood once clouded by fear and neglect, transformation began not with a building or a board meeting, but with a crockpot. One woman took it upon herself to show up, feed the kids, and simply be present. What began as a small act of love and nourishment soon became a movement—a safe space. And over time, it grew into a thriving community organization now known as Neighborhood Brevard.

Today, this once-forgotten area pulses with life, thanks to the visionary leadership of its founder and the unwavering efforts of a dedicated team and local partners.

A Safe Space Rooted in Possibility

Neighborhood Brevard isn’t just an afterschool program or summer camp. It’s a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity where children and families are nurtured, empowered, and seen. Each corner of the center has a purpose from the dance studio and music room to the community garden and counseling rooms.

What sets this organization apart is its holistic approach. It doesn’t just support academics it meets children where they are, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Programs are tailored to enrich the whole child, not just test scores.

Programs That Plant Seeds (Literally and Figuratively)

The center runs a wide variety of programs that encourage creativity, wellness, self-expression, and life skills:

Gardening Club:

Kids learn to grow, care for, and eat what they plant, often tasting vegetables for the first time. They now pick herbs for their grandparents and snack on peppers straight from the vine.
One Love (with the Women’s Center): Kids are taught about healthy relationships, boundaries, and communication from a young age. It is an investment in emotional intelligence and personal safety.

Creative Arts & Music (with Motivational Edge):

From painting murals with local artists like Chris Maslow to writing and producing original music videos, youth learn to express themselves through art.

Fitness & Wellness:

Yoga, karate, dance, and cooking classes are part of their weekly routine. The cooking classes even include recipe cards sent home to encourage family involvement.

Social-Emotional Development:

With access to a licensed clinician and a Christian counselor, children are supported in navigating their personal journeys, traumas, and dreams.

Affordable Housing and Community Stability

Directly across from the center are 18 units of affordable housing, home to over 50 individuals—many of whom are single parents or low-income working families. Residents pay no more than 30–40% of their income toward rent. Fourteen of these families currently send their children to the afterschool program at no cost, solving the age-old dilemma of choosing between childcare and groceries.

The organization’s model ensures that families don’t just survive, they thrive with support systems right outside their door.

A Culture of Partnership

Neighbor Up Brevard doesn’t do this work alone. The organization thrives on partnerships with local churches, artists, the Women’s Center, Motivational Edge, and volunteers from the Garden Club by the Sea, among others. Their “partner up” mindset is the cornerstone of their upcoming Anchor Breakfast, a country-western-themed fundraising event taking place on October 16th.

This event aims to highlight the organization’s three pillars: youth development, community enrichment, and housing stability. Attendees will see the tangible results of their support—and leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly invest in a community.

Dreams with a To-Do List

While children are encouraged to dream big, they’re also taught how to map out those dreams. At Neighborhood Brevard, dreaming isn’t frivolous, it’s functional. Staff help kids put language to their goals, create action steps, and believe that if they can dream it, they can be it.

From college campus tours to learning how to manage a kitchen or hold respectful conversations, everything is designed to give kids both hope and tools.

Want to Get Involved?

Neighborhood Up Brevard is not just an organization, it’s a movement. One that started with a crockpot and continues with partnerships, action, and love. Whether you’re a business owner, artist, donor, or neighbor, there’s a place for you to support this transformational work.

Stay tuned for their upcoming campaign, follow along on social media, and consider attending the Anchor Breakfast on October 16th. Because when we partner up, we all rise together.