Hands, Hearts, and Home Foundation (H3)
Primary Activities
These seven interconnected activities create a comprehensive ecosystem supporting Black children, families, and educators while advancing systemic educational change. Each program area reinforces the others, creating multiplied impact through our integrated approach to community empowerment and educational excellence.
- Montessori Education Center
- Family Empowerment Programs
-Educator Development
- Community Space Creation
- Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship
- Arts and Cultural Expression
- Advocacy and Outreach
Creating Culturally Responsive Learning Environments
Montessori Education Centers
We establish and operate innovative Montessori-based schools like Ancestors' Seeds that seamlessly integrate African and African American cultural knowledge with proven Montessori principles. Our learning environments honor children's heritage while fostering academic excellence through hands-on, child-led exploration. By centering Black cultural wisdom within rigorous educational methodology, we prove that cultural pride and academic achievement are synergistic forces that accelerate learning.
Strengthening Black Families Through Education and Connection
Family Empowerment Programs
Our comprehensive family support system includes monthly parenting workshops teaching Montessori principles for home implementation, professional counseling services strengthening family structures, and vibrant community events celebrating Black culture and achievement. We recognize that children thrive when families feel empowered, connected, and culturally affirmed. Through intergenerational programming and community celebration, we build the village that surrounds every child's success.
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When the work becomes tangible, an impression can be made on the individual that can help with the remembering of the beauty, depth and richness of their culture and identity. There is no limit to what is possible when the creation has meaning to the creator. My work is to build a connection through concrete representations and experiences for Black children, Black families, and Black teachers.
Ashley Causey-Golden
Training the Next Generation of Culturally Responsive Teachers
Educator Development
We offer specialized Montessori teacher training emphasizing cultural responsiveness, professional development integrating African and African American history into curricula, and support groundbreaking research on culturally responsive Montessori education for Black children. Our programs prepare educators to see cultural difference as cognitive advantage while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Every teacher we train impacts hundreds of future students through culturally affirming practices.
Designing Environments That Reflect Our Values
Community Space Creation
We develop community centers incorporating Montessori principles, create welcoming "living room" spaces for community gatherings and intergenerational learning, and design outdoor learning environments including community gardens. Our physical spaces intentionally reflect African diaspora culture while supporting hands-on learning and community connection. These environments demonstrate that educational spaces can honor heritage while fostering academic excellence and environmental stewardship.
Empowering Young People as Community Leaders
Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Our youth programs teach age-appropriate business skills and financial literacy, provide meaningful mentorship opportunities with Black professionals and entrepreneurs, and support youth-led community improvement projects. We believe young people are community assets, not problems to solve. Through leadership development and entrepreneurship education, we cultivate confident, civically engaged young people who see themselves as changemakers in their communities.
Celebrating Heritage Through Creative Practice
Arts and Cultural Expression
We host workshops and classes in various art forms including visual arts, music, and dance, create dedicated spaces for cultural expression and storytelling, and develop comprehensive libraries of Black literature and educational materials. Artistic expression connects children to cultural heritage while developing creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Our programs ensure that cultural knowledge is preserved, celebrated, and passed to future generations through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Creating Systemic Change Beyond Our Walls
Advocacy and Outreach
We advocate for policies supporting equitable education and Montessori methods in public schools, collaborate strategically with other organizations to expand our impact, and conduct community outreach promoting Montessori principles with cultural affirmation. Our advocacy work ensures that the innovations we develop in our programs influence broader educational systems. We're not just serving individual families—we're transforming how America approaches culturally responsive education for Black children.
