We hear it time and time again—"our children are our future." Yet, in America today, one in three children are already a grade or more behind in school. What's more, the home life of many of our children does little to combat the increasing difficulties they face in everyday life. Factors such as inconsistent academic support, an unstable home environment, and lack of moral training and community support offer these children little opportunity to succeed.

The Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation (DGYLF) believes that for children to grow into successful adults, they need to have security and development in four areas:

• values
  
• education
  
• home
  
• community

The DGYLF helps to shape the lives of children whose family lives and circumstances have all too often limited their opportunities to realize their potential. The Foundation is committed to nurturing the child, strengthening the family, and rebuilding the community. The DGYLF embraces the idea that early support for children helps to ensure their successful future. To open the doors of opportunity for every girl and boy, we must all work together for their common good to guarantee their chance to lead educated and value-centered lives. Children deserve the support of caring adults who can guide them in achieving an education, realizing their goals, and becoming contributing citizens in their communities.

To promulgate these ideals, the Foundation operates the Youth Life Learning Centers. Through attending Youth Life Learning Centers (comprehensive after-school and full summer program services), these children are able to see for themselves just how bright their future can be.

Founder Darrell Green has made a commitment to supporting and advocating for America's children. His experience in overcoming challenges in his own childhood has given him a deeply rooted appreciation for the many obstacles they face. With continued success in giving these children the academic and values-based enrichment they need, the DGYLF will grow to serve 11 communities in the Washington metropolitan area by 2009, train new community leaders through its National Training Institute, and build an endowment for long-term stability. Its successful model will be shared with communities across the nation contributing to the growth of America's children.