"Transforming Lives Through The Arts."
ABOUT MAROON 9
About Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization
Founded in 2016, Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization (Maroon 9) is a leading force in the development of free out-of-school-time youth enrichment programs for teens in Tarrant County, TX. We provide mentorship, guidance, and innovative programming for middle and high school youth, with a strong focus on teaching creative expression opposed to juvenile crime and violence.
Through our Kids Acting With Purpose program youth receive access to free training in acting, singing, and dance while preparing for pre-professional stage productions. Our Page To Stage Theatre Arts Literacy initiative is designed to teach creative expression, enhance reading comprehension, and address important topics such as conflict resolution through engaging and culturally relevant literary texts. Participants read, adapt, analyze and perform powerful texts to expand their horizons and contribute to their academic success. Beyond the stage, program participants experience college tours, hands-on career exploration, performance field trips, and life skills workshops designed to enhance social and emotional development and help them prepare for life after high school.
Our Name and Legacy
The name “Maroon 9” holds significant personal and emotional meaning for our organization. It is a tribute to Michael Patterson, the brother of Maroon 9’s Vice President and Founder, Cynthia Banks. Michael lived with Sickle Cell Disease until his passing at the age of 49. The color “Maroon” is the official awareness ribbon for Sickle Cell Disease, and the number “9” represents September, which is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.
At Maroon 9, we are not only dedicated to enriching the lives of our youth, but we are also strong advocates for Sickle Cell Disease awareness. In memory of Michael Patterson, we provide scholarships and financial support to patients living with the disease, working toward greater awareness, research, and advocacy.
Our Impact
Through our youth programs, Maroon 9 is making a lasting difference in Fort Worth by helping at-risk youth develop skills, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. By combining mentorship, education, and community support, we aim to break the cycle of juvenile crime and guide our youth toward a brighter, more successful future.
Maroon 9 continues to honor the legacy of Michael Patterson, upholding his memory through our advocacy for Sickle Cell Disease and our dedication to the youth of our community. We invite you to join us in our mission and help us create lasting change for the future generations of Fort Worth.
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
At Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, our values are the foundation of our mission to empower and inspire youth through accessible, high-quality enrichment programs. We are committed to creating safe and supportive spaces that foster creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning. Our values reflect a deep dedication to community engagement, inclusivity, and transformative mentorship that guides youth toward positive choices and meaningful futures.
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Creativity - We prioritize the development of artistic skills and critical thinking, and encourage the boundless creativity inherent in every young person by providing a platform for artistic expression in various forms.
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Empathy - We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive space where all youth, regardless of background or ability, feel valued, respected, and supported, and grow into empathetic leaders with a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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Empowerment - We empower youth to embrace their individuality, express themselves authentically, and instill resilience to navigate through life's challenges with a growth mindset.
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Prevention - We actively work towards preventing juvenile crime and teaching conflict resolution skills by offering innovative, engaging, and educational opportunities that enhance social and emotional learning and development.
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Immitment to making a positive impact that extends beyond the classr
OUR GOALS
2025-2027 Strategic Goals
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Provide Comprehensive Arts Education - Offer accessible and affordable opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate in high-quality arts enrichment activities.
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Promote Positive Youth Development - Teach youth transferable skills that support various career pathways and extend beyond life after high school.
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Advocacy for Prevention - Actively advocate for the role of creative expression in preventing juvenile crime through awareness campaigns, partnerships, and community outreach.
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Collaborate with local organizations to extend the reach of our programs, promote community involvement, and educate the community on important topics.
OUR IMPACT
Since its inception, Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization has made measurable impacts through dedicated arts and enrichment programs that support youth, families, and communities in Fort Worth and beyond. We focus on providing high-quality after-school and summer programs in Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills for underserved youth, empowering them to achieve academic, personal, and career success. By creating safe, structured environments for creativity and self-expression, our programs have shown positive results in improving school attendance, academic performance, and behavior, while also reducing the likelihood of involvement in crime and violence.
Through consistent financial support from grants, donors, and community sponsors, Maroon 9 has maintained its mission of offering programs at no cost to families. Each year, our financial statements and impact reports reflect responsible stewardship of funds, prioritizing program expansion, quality enrichment materials, and support services. Our impact reports highlight achievements such as increased school engagement, reduced disciplinary actions, and career exploration in fields like performing arts and technology. With over 40 partnerships with organizations and professionals, our programs provide youth with skills and resources that shape their futures and uplift our community.
Maroon 9 remains committed to transparency and accountability, as demonstrated in our annual financial statements and impact reports. We invite you to review these reports to see the transformative effects of your support and the ongoing positive change we create together for our youth.