Parent education and leadership programs
Caregivers complete the Nurturing Parenting Program or the Effective Black Parenting Program through the Community CAREgiver Collective (CCC) and earn certifications such as CPR. CCC is a group-based training in culturally specific strategies that build family pride, strengthen cohesion, and support how children do in school. Graduates rate the program 4.9 out of 5 and report climbing more than two steps on the well-being ladder.
Financial literacy workshops and employment support
Financial literacy is delivered with partner organizations through certificate based THRIVE cohorts, at Resource Roundtables, and in one-on-one coaching with staff. Employment support covers resumes, interviews, certifications, and introductions to hiring partners. Together, these supports build financial confidence, open pathways to stable employment, and strengthen the long-term economic security of the whole household.
Mental and physical health resources
Working with contracted behavioral health practitioners and partner organizations including the Wendt Center, Martha’s Table, DC Central Kitchen, Greater DC Diaper Bank, and Whitman-Walker Health, we offer crisis intervention, on-site mental health services, medical, vision, and dental screenings, essential supplies, and health education on topics such as healthy relationships, consent, STI testing, pregnancy prevention, HIV prevention, and overall wellness. Services are available at our Community Resource Centers, Resource Roundtables, and community fairs throughout the year.
Service navigation and benefits counseling
We partner to bring resources within the half mile so that families can access them close to home. Through service navigation and intervention, we offer benefits counseling, emergency cash assistance, utility and rental assistance, legal referrals, and employment connections. Every household receives a quarterly touchpoint. These efforts reduce stressors on families, increase stability at home, and reinforce the conditions needed for children to succeed academically and socially.
Family essentials and food pantry access
Families can access food, diapers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, winter coats, and backpacks at our three distribution centers throughout the year. Through powerful service and corporate partnerships, we distribute more than 15,000 meals, 7,000 diapers, 300 winter coats, and 300 backpacks annually. These distributions stretch limited household budgets, reduce the tradeoffs families face around key necessities, and support the health and school readiness of every child in the home.
Family game nights and community-building events
Joy and celebration are fundamental to our well-being. Families gather at the Hub for game nights, holiday celebrations, and back to school events, and in the neighborhoods for health fairs, picnics, and community clean-up events. These gatherings strengthen relationships among neighbors, deepen families’ trust in Horton’s Kids, and build the sense of belonging that keeps children engaged year after year.
