Nonprofit DK Movement Cares Develops Innovative Youth Program

DK Movement Cares, a 501(c)3 Connecticut-based nonprofit organization, is proud to announce the development of a new initiative, Mind & Motion Plus, a youth program that is designed to help teens improve communication, set meaningful goals, and get active! The 10-week program, for ages 13-18, integrates physical and emotional wellness, preparing teens to apply what they learn to make a positive impact in their community.

Mind & Motion Plus is designed to empower teens by equipping them with tools to manage anxiety, enhance communication skills, and foster a positive mindset through a combination of classroom learning and physical activity.

“In today’s tech-driven world, many teens struggle with anxiety, communication barriers, and a lack of meaningful face-to-face interactions. Social media and technology often exacerbate these challenges, leaving young people feeling disconnected and overwhelmed,” explains DK Movement Cares co-founder Kelly Houston. “Mind & Motion Plus addresses these issues by creating a supportive, tech-free environment where teens can build essential life skills and connect with peers on a deeper level,” adds co-founder Derek Jones, who led development of the initiative.

In response to the challenges faced by today's youth, including anxiety, communication barriers, and disconnection, DK Movement Cares has developed a comprehensive approach that combines event planning expertise with personal development strategies. This innovative program is designed to empower participants to overcome obstacles and become active, confident members of their communities. It is currently under consideration for adoption by two school districts in Connecticut.

Interview December 1 on iHeart Radio Stations in Connecticut, National Podcast Launched

Derek Jones and Kelly Houston are interviewed this weekend on iHeart Radio’s Community Access program, hosted by Allison Demers. The public affairs program will air on December 1 on iHeart’s radio stations in the Hartford region, including The River 105.9, KC101, Country 92.5, KISS 95.7, and NewsRadio 1410, and will be available online on the station websites thereafter.

Derek Jones and Kelly Houston have also recently launched a nationwide podcast, Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast, to advance their goal to empower individuals to overcome adversity, embrace positivity, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. More about the podcast at https://togetherwesolvepodcast.com/

Derek Jones and Kelly Houston are available for public speaking engagements, to share confidence-building and community engagement encouragement with youth, based on their on lifelong experiences and how they’ve been able to navigate forward, emphasizing that “your past does not need to define your future.”

Sharing Life Lessons with Today’s Youth; Helping to Navigate the Way Forward

Derek’s youth was spent amidst instability in the toughest neighborhoods of Bristol, an early life marked by challenges most can’t even imagine. With his mother battling addiction and his siblings taken away by the state, Derek navigated a tumultuous childhood, often relying on his wits to survive. At 12, he encountered the harsh realities of gang life. Later in life, those early years manifest new challenges ranging from massive weight gain to alcohol addiction. Through perseverance and fortitude, years later, he was able to overcome and navigate a more productive life’s path, becoming a health advocate and acclaimed distance runner, while pursuing a successful career and then, after meeting Kelly, launching with her the DK Movement brand as a means to inspire others to transform their own lives.

Kelly’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Raised by her grandparents after her mother left, Kelly faced the profound effects of abandonment and instability. Her mother’s battle with addiction and eventual revelation of being HIV-positive, coupled with deep insecurities, led Kelly to seek solace in alcohol at a young age. Working in the modeling industry for many years, Kelly has been featured in various urban and fashion magazines and graced the runway for an array of fashion designers during Fashion Week. She then took a break from the industry to become a mom, later returning as a Red Carpet Hostess, becoming a recognized and sought-after personality, ultimately overcoming an alcohol addiction. Her passion is to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, and to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good choices and positive mindset.

Empowerment Services to Assist Nonprofits in Fundraising Events

DK Movement Cares has also launched a groundbreaking Empowerment Services program. This initiative aims to equip individuals and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create impactful events that inspire positive change in their communities.

The program builds on DK Movement Cares' successful community initiatives, including their annual summertime 5K race – which will be held in Bristol on August 23, 2025 - and the support that has been provided for organizations including Special Olympics and Agape House homeless shelter. Next year’s 5K will benefit their Mind and Motion Plus Youth Program. Other initiatives include an Annual Holiday Lights Food & Fund Drive - which takes this weekend through December 22nd in Bristol – with the food collected benefiting local food banks and monetary donations this year to benefit their youth program.

Kelly Houston notes that "Our mission is to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Through our Empowerment Services, we're providing the tools and support needed to turn those dreams into reality.” "Our Empowerment Services go beyond traditional event planning," said Derek Jones. "We're not just teaching people how to organize events; we're providing them with life skills that can transform their personal and professional lives.”

The Empowerment Services program offers:

• Strategic Planning and Mentorship: Collaborative development of event plans aligned with participants' goals and alongside personalized mentoring.
• Innovative Logistics and Coordination: Hands-on training in event management, including creative problem-solving techniques to navigate through challenges.
• Marketing Mastery: Insights into effective promotional strategies and social media engagement.
• Hands-On Training and Support: On-site guidance during events to build confidence, competence, and independence.

DK Movement Cares is currently seeking sponsorship and business support for next summer’s 5K event and has advertising opportunities available on their podcast. For more information about DK Movement Cares, the Mind & Motion Plus youth program, Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast, the Empowerment Services, and other initiatives, please visit https://dkmovementcares.org/