Over the years, as healthcare professionals, educators and youth mentors, we witnessed a problem. We saw the continued arrival of young people in the classrooms who are struggling with basic reading, writing and math. They were falling behind even before the race for college or good jobs began  

In the healthcare arena, we knew that children from low income families have higher risk for mental health issues, obesity, diabetes and other chronic disease.  We saw their poor diet, their low level of activity and high level of stress and how they struggled to navigate the educational and healthcare systems. But we also saw their potential, their hopes, their intelligence and resilience in the face of challenges. We tried to connect them with resources but realized assistance was fragmented and difficult to access. We feared that these young people in underserved communities were certain to fall through the cracks and that the cycle of poverty and the opportunity gap repeats itself.  We knew we had to do something in solidarity with these youth and their families…but what?

After much discussion, we decided to do more than just offer ad hoc help. We needed to institutionalize our efforts into a holistic approach.  In December 2015, we formed The Rumi Center (RC), a not-for-profit community organization based in Arizona. We subsequently obtained an IRS tax exempt 501(c) (3) status.  The purpose of the RC is to provide programs focused on elementary school through high school age children from low income families.   We provide a wide range of programs, services and resources along three interconnected tracts (health, education, and art/creative expression) designed to bridge the opportunity gap and empower participants to achieve their highest potential.