Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization (Maroon 9) was founded in 2015 and is currently a leader in developing quality out-of-school-time youth enrichment programs for the City of Fort Worth, TX. Juvenile gang and crime prevention has been a long-term struggle for Tarrant County, TX. Maroon 9 has identified that teen youth are in need of mentorship, guidance, and innovative programs to keep them engaged and off of the street. Statistics have shown that juvenile crime happens mostly afterschool from 4p-6p. Maroon 9 supports efforts to reduce juvenile crime by hosting after-school and summer programs for middle and high school youth focused on Fine Arts, STEM and Life Skills enrichment. Youth exploration in these particular fields promotes creative expression, critical thinking, and vast career exploration. Through this approach, the goal is for program participants to have solid plans for life after juvenile detention and/or high school.

 

About Our Name

Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization was founded in memory of Michael Patterson, the brother of Vice President & Founder Cynthia Banks. Michael lived with Sickle Cell Disease until he died at the age of 49. Maroon is the official color for the Sickle Cell Disease awareness ribbon. The number “9” represents the month of September which is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Maroon 9 is a strong advocate for Sickle Cell Disease awareness and provides scholarships and financial support to patients living with the incurable disease.