Student Spotlight
At DMF Youth, our mission is about more than teaching dance. It’s about empowering kids to grow into confident, resilient leaders who will shape the future. Abdul, one of our incredible students, embodies this transformation. His journey is a testament to the power of our programs and the impact your support has on kids like him.
Abdul has always had a love for dance—it’s been part of who he is since he was a baby. But when he first joined DMF Youth, he struggled to channel his boundless energy and manage his emotions. Outbursts and frustration were common, especially when faced with challenges. His mom, Zainab, enrolled him in our program because she saw his passion for movement and wanted him to have a safe, supportive space to thrive. What she found was much more than an afterschool activity.
Over the past four years, Abdul’s growth has been extraordinary. He’s learned how to navigate difficult moments with mindfulness and affirmations, using tools like “growth mindset” to stay positive and focused. As Zainab explains, “He says ‘growth mindset’ all the time. When something is tough, he reminds himself—and even reminds me!—that he can overcome it.”
Abdul himself put it perfectly:
“I’ve grown A LOT since starting DMF. I used to get frustrated and ALL the way upset, but now I know how to use mindfulness and affirmations to calm myself down.”
Through activities like choreographing routines, participating in our Cypher sessions, and embracing mindfulness practices, Abdul has developed essential life skills. He’s learned resilience, teamwork, and self-regulation—tools that will serve him well in school, on the basketball court, and as he dreams of one day becoming a leader himself.
One of Abdul’s favorite moments in the program was performing in a show, where he felt proud and confident in his hard work. His mom cherishes these experiences, saying, “DMF Youth gives kids a platform to be themselves, to feel a sense of belonging, and to grow into who they want to be.”
This is the heart of our Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign: creating opportunities for kids like Abdul to discover their potential and step into the leaders they were meant to be. With your support, we can continue to provide safe spaces, life-changing programs, and the guidance that helps kids flourish.
Every contribution makes a difference. By donating to DMF Youth, you’re not just supporting a program—you’re building tomorrow’s leaders today. Join us in empowering the next generation, one child at a time.
Donate now to make an impact!
Donate Now to help build tomorrow’s leaders today.
