Who We Are
Organizational Overview
The Crowned In Resilience Collective (CIRC) and the Crowned In Resilience Foundation are sister organizations dedicated to empowering youth, healing communities, and building resilience in Washington, D.C. We serve Black and Brown youth, particularly in Wards 7 and 8, with culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs that address grief, community violence, and systemic barriers to success.
Our work combines therapeutic arts, leadership training, advocacy, and wellness to help young people rewrite their life stories and build thriving futures. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing, all donations to CIRC are 100% tax deductible.
Our History
Founded in 2023 by Robin Lawson Atcherson and Jeanine Henderson Arnett, CIRC was created in response to the growing need for youth-centered healing spaces in Washington, D.C. Both founders have spent decades working with underserved communities, providing mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy platforms for youth often excluded from decision-making spaces.
What began as a single summer camp and community garden has grown into a year-round youth empowerment hub, offering leadership academies, wellness retreats, advocacy training, and grief support programs that directly address the systemic inequities our young people face.
Our Mission, Vision & Core Values
At CIRC, our mission is to empower youth, heal communities, and build resilient leaders who advocate for meaningful change. We envision a world where youth of color are fully equipped with the tools, support, and opportunities to lead their communities toward sustainable healing and generational success. Guided by our core values—empowerment, resilience, community, equity, wellness, and integrity—we are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can thrive. We believe in equipping youth with leadership skills, supporting their emotional well-being, and ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and prepared to shape a brighter future.
