Free Programming
All programs are offered at no cost to participating families.
Free virtual youth wellness programming
🌱 NOW ENROLLING
Summer Cohort 1
July 11 – August 15, 2026
Empowering Youth Minds. Healing Hearts. Building Brighter Futures.
Growing Minds Youth Center creates welcoming spaces where young people can build emotional skills, confidence, and connection with caring facilitators and peers.
Why Families Choose Growing Minds
Supportive programming designed for real family life.
Caring Professionals
Programs are led by compassionate facilitators with youth-serving experience.
Small Group Learning
Youth learn in supportive, interactive small-group settings.
Virtual Convenience
Families can join safely and easily from home through Zoom.
Evidence-Informed Activities
Activities are designed to build confidence, emotional wellness, resilience, and communication skills.
Growing Minds Impact
Early momentum, meaningful growth.
Through social-emotional learning, empowerment groups, and supportive family engagement, Growing Minds helps youth feel seen, prepared, and encouraged as they navigate school, friendships, stress, and self-discovery.
Explore current programsAbout
A center built for growth, healing, and belonging.
Mission Statement
Growing Minds Youth Center empowers youth through safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive programming that nurtures confidence, resilience, leadership, and lifelong wellness.
Founder Story
Founded by Ashly Woolford, Growing Minds was created from a deep commitment to helping young people access the kind of support, encouragement, and emotional tools that can shape a brighter future.
Why Growing Minds Was Created
Many families need youth-centered wellness resources that are accessible, welcoming, and rooted in real-life emotional needs. Growing Minds exists to remove barriers and provide free virtual spaces where youth can learn, share, and grow.
Core Values
Confidence
Emotional Wellness
Resilience
Leadership
Safe Spaces
Programs
Free, virtual youth wellness programming.
Programs are designed to help youth practice emotional awareness, healthy coping, communication, self-esteem, and positive peer connection.
Youth SEL Group
Six-week virtual program designed for children ages 7–12.
A supportive group experience where youth strengthen social-emotional skills, build self-awareness, and practice healthy ways to express feelings.
Register NowGirls Empowerment Group
Six-week virtual empowerment experience for girls ages 10–15.
A confidence-building space for girls to explore identity, leadership, friendships, self-worth, and positive decision-making.
Register NowAnxiety & Stress Management Group
Six-week virtual wellness program launching September 2026.
A practical wellness group focused on coping tools, grounding strategies, emotional regulation, and stress support for youth.
Join WaitlistMore Programs Coming Soon
Boys Empowerment
Financial Literacy
Parent Workshops
Creative Expression
Homework Help
Program Calendar
2026–2027 Program Calendar
Growing Minds programs run in six-week cohorts throughout the year, giving families multiple opportunities to enroll and grow with us.
Missed a cohort? No worries! New six-week cohorts begin throughout the year.
Summer Cohort 1
July 11 – August 15, 2026
Registration Open
Late Summer Cohort
August 22 – September 26, 2026
Registration Opens August 1
Fall Cohort 1
October 3 – November 7, 2026
Registration Opens September 7
Fall Cohort 2
November 14 – December 19, 2026
Registration Opens October 12
Winter Break
December 20 – January 3
No Groups
Winter Cohort
January 9 – February 13, 2027
Registration Opens December 14
Winter Cohort 2
February 20 – March 27, 2027
Registration Opens January 18
Spring Cohort 1
April 3 – May 8, 2027
Registration Opens March 1
Spring Cohort 2
May 15 – June 19, 2027
Registration Opens April 12
Meet the Team
Meet the Team Behind Growing Minds
Ashly Woolford
Founder & Executive Director
Ashly is passionate about empowering youth and creating safe spaces where children can develop confidence, resilience, and lifelong social-emotional skills.
Dr. Michaela Henry, LMSW, DSW
Youth SEL Facilitator
Dr. Michaela brings experience in social work, behavioral health, education, youth development, and community outreach. She is committed to helping young people recognize their strengths and feel supported.
Celine Walker
School Counselor, Girls Empowerment Facilitator
Celine is passionate about working with young people and helping them build confidence, resilience, and a positive sense of self. Through Growing Minds, she hopes to extend support beyond the school setting.
Parents
Clear next steps for families.
Family Welcome Workshop
Families are invited to learn about Growing Minds programming, meet the team, review expectations, and understand how virtual sessions support youth wellness.
Registration Information
- Complete youth registration
- Submit required family forms
- Review virtual participation expectations
- Receive program confirmation and session details
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for parents and caregivers.
How much does the program cost?
All Growing Minds programs are completely free.
Is the program virtual?
Yes. All current programs are offered virtually through Zoom.
How long is each program?
Each program runs for six weeks with one session per week.
What if my child misses a session?
Families should notify us if they are unable to attend. We understand that things happen and encourage participants to return the following week.
Get Involved
Help create safe, affirming spaces for youth.
Volunteer Opportunities
Support workshops, family outreach, event preparation, and program operations.
Facilitator Interest
Bring youth-centered experience to future wellness, SEL, and empowerment groups.
Outreach & Marketing Coordinator
Help families, schools, and community partners learn about Growing Minds programs.
Partnership Opportunities
Collaborate with Growing Minds to expand access to free youth wellness support.
Student Internships
Future opportunities for students in social work, counseling, education, and related fields to gain experience supporting youth-centered programming.
Latest News & Updates
Announcements and updates.
Registration Open
Summer Cohort 1 is now enrolling.
Family Welcome Workshop
Families are invited to join our virtual welcome workshop before launch.
Back-to-School Initiative
Growing Minds is preparing back-to-school goodies for enrolled participants.
Parent Portal
Growing Minds Portal is currently in development and expected to be available September 1, 2026.
Our Promise
Every child deserves to feel seen.
Every child deserves to feel heard.
Every child deserves to feel supported.
At Growing Minds Youth Center, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Contact
Connect with Growing Minds Youth Center.
Reach out about registration, partnerships, volunteering, or future program opportunities.
Based in Brooklyn, NY • Serving families virtually.