Our Mission
Children Mending Hearts is dedicated to combating bullying and intolerance by inspiring empathy in children through art and service-learning programs.
The Jordan Downs Center, powered by Children Mending Hearts, is a place of empathy and kindness for the families of
Watts to get the resources and support they need.
When children grow into adults without a sense of empathy, we all suffer. We are all affected by living in a world where we lack the ability to understand or care about the plight of another human being.
Society's success depends on raising children who care for other people. And empathy is the key driver of kind and compassionate action. By developing empathy in young children, Children Mending Hearts helps them feel valued while nurturing their ability to relate to others. This plays a crucial role in helping to understand conflicts not just in their own lives but in the world as well.
Empathy is transformative. It can reduce the chance of a child being bullied. It can enable world leaders to find peaceful solutions. It can inspire nations to open their doors to families fleeing war and violence. It can inspire future generations of loving and compassionate global citizens. Empathy can change the world.
Jordan Downs is community. We are here to provide a space of empathy and kindness, where the families of This Neighborhood can get the resources and support that they need. Join the movement and help us grow a future full of possibility for Jordan Downs, and for all of us.
The redevelopment of Jordan Downs public housing in Watts has been a symbol of hope for the residents who reside in the 700 unit community. The goal of this center is to take that to the next level and begin supporting the community’s growth, and help the families of Jordan Downs succeed. We want to help not only their basic needs, but their sense of belonging, their esteem needs, and their cognitive needs through appropriate programming.
Empathy is a positive predictor of reading and math test scores, as well as critical thinking skills. It decreases bullying, aggression, prejudice, and racism. It also prepares kids to be global citizens and is a cited strength in leadership success and excellent performance in the job market. This is why through everything we do and everything we offer, you will find empathy.
Events
classes
Resources
I realize that everyone has their challenges, no matter where they were born or where they live.
Luis, age 8
The CMH Empathy Approach
Kindness Counts
Inspired by the messages in KicKee Books, Kindness Counts is an eight-lesson art program for grades K-2 that provides valuable morals on kindness, compassion, and understanding to our youngest scholars to help them use kindness as the new standard.
Empathy Rocks in the U.S.A.
Empathy Rocks in the U.S.A. is an eight-lesson art program that looks to heighten children’s social responsibility and sensitivity to the world around them and each other. Students learn about why they should care and how they can help.
Global Arts Program
CMH’s Educational Arts program, geared primarily for students ages 8-12, provides children with diverse opportunities for global awareness and expression. We begin by introducing students to a global issue such as poverty, climate change or natural disaster.
Workshops & service events
Children Mending Hearts gives children the empathy and courage to support and stand up for others. Our program helps schools create positive and safe learning environments where every student can learn and grow.
TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS.
CHANGING LIVES.
Help Us Change the World
Empathy can change the world, but that begins with YOU. Your help is more important now than ever as we continue to learn the deeply negative impacts bullying and intolerance have on our youth. Your support will allow us to expand our programming as we integrate our workshops, student learning experiences, and training with our curriculum in schools across the country.