"Transforming Lives Through The Arts."
ABOUT MAROON 9
About Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization
Founded in 2015, Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization (Maroon 9) is a leading force in the development of quality, out-of-school-time youth enrichment programs for the City of Fort Worth, Texas. Our mission is to provide mentorship, guidance, and innovative programming for middle and high school youth, with a strong focus on Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills. We are dedicated to keeping young minds engaged and off the streets, combating the challenges posed by juvenile crime, which statistics show peaks in the after-school hours from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Through a combination of after-school and summer programs, Maroon 9 offers a safe, nurturing environment where youth can explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and discover career opportunities in high-demand fields. Our programs empower participants to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success, whether they are preparing for life after high school or overcoming the challenges faced after juvenile detention. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every young person involved in Maroon 9 walks away with a solid, positive plan for their future.
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
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and educating the community by offering free, high-quality youth enrichment programs. Focused on Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills, our programs provide mentorship, guidance, and hands-on learning experiences that promote creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. We strive to create safe, supportive spaces where young people can explore their potential, build essential life skills, and prepare for a successful future. Through our commitment to service, advocacy, and community support, we aim to inspire the next generation to thrive both academically and personally.
OUR VISION
At Maroon 9, our vision is to create consistent, safe, and empowering spaces where youth can thrive through enriching programs, meaningful mentorship, and community support. We are committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth, helping young people navigate challenges and discover their full potential. Through our dedication to Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills, we aim to inspire and guide the next generation toward a brighter future, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance necessary for success—both in their communities and beyond. Our work is rooted in advocacy, compassion, and the enduring legacy of Michael Patterson, as we continue to provide support for Sickle Cell Disease awareness and youth development.
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.
We believe in empowerment through education, offering diverse programs in Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills that equip young people with the tools to excel academically, personally, and socially. We are dedicated to promoting respect, integrity, and self-expression in every interaction, encouraging each participant to discover their unique voice and potential. By fostering collaboration and leadership and addressing issues like gang prevention, we aim to reduce juvenile crime, improve academic performance, and build a generation of inspired, informed, and engaged citizens.
In all we do, Maroon 9 remains steadfast in our support for underserved communities, including advocacy and assistance for those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. We honor the memory of Michael Patterson, a source of strength and inspiration for our organization, as we continue our commitment to making a positive impact that extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community.
OUR GOALS
Here’s a list of strategic goals for Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, drawing from your mission, values, and program details:
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Expand Access to Youth Enrichment Programs: Increase the availability of free, high-quality after-school and summer programs, particularly in underserved communities, to support youth development through Fine Arts, STEM, and Life Skills education.
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Enhance Academic Achievement and School Engagement: Boost school attendance, grades, and positive behavior in program participants through engaging educational activities and targeted support in areas that inspire and motivate.
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Reduce Juvenile Crime and Violence: Offer safe, structured environments that engage teens during peak hours for juvenile crime, encouraging positive choices and equipping youth with conflict resolution and life skills that deter involvement in gang activity and violence.
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Promote Sickle Cell Disease Awareness and Support: Advocate for and raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease while providing scholarships and financial assistance to families impacted, honoring the legacy of Michael Patterson.
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Foster Creative and Career Exploration: Inspire youth to pursue creative expression and consider future career paths through hands-on experience in the arts, media, and technology fields. This includes collaborating with local professionals and providing exposure to potential career opportunities and educational pathways.
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Support College and Career Readiness: Prepare youth for life beyond high school by offering college tours, career workshops, and practical training in areas such as resume building, interviewing, and personal finance, with an emphasis on empowering students to consider HBCU and other higher education options.
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Promote Inclusivity and Diversity in Programs: Ensure all programs reflect a commitment to inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and providing equal access to opportunities, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
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Build Strong Community Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to enhance program offerings, expand resources, and amplify community impact.
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Develop Lifelong Positive Behaviors: Through arts and mentorship, instill values such as responsibility, teamwork, and resilience that help youth build confidence, improve self-esteem, and form a positive outlook on their futures.
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Achieve Sustainable Growth and Funding: Secure recurring grant funding and additional financial resources to maintain and expand programs, ensuring Maroon 9 can continue to operate as a community pillar for youth enrichment and support.
These goals align with Maroon 9’s mission and vision, creating a roadmap to foster lasting, positive change in Fort Worth and beyond.
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.