How we started…
THE MIRACLES FOUNDATION was established in 2019 to share the love of music, inspirit the quest for education, skill trades & education, and encourage mental and physical wellness in young adults.
Our passion is inspired by Motown recording artists, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, and the founding members of The Miracles:
Pete Moore
Claudette Robinson
Smokey Robinson
Bobbie Rodgers
Ronnie White
The legacy of The Miracles and their accomplishments will live on though the children we serve.
OUR 3 PILLARS
EDUCATION, WELLNESS & ART
EDUCATION
“A man who says… I have learned enough and will learn no further, should be considered as knowing nothing at all.”- Hall Selassie
The Miracles Foundation realizes that learning comes in many forms as evidenced by the several paths that one can take during the journey to success; whether it is by trade school or college. Education can be a gateway to a better future.
Regardless of the chosen path, the same amount of dedication and drive is essential to transforming potential, into reality. The Miracles Foundation will assist in helping young people achieve and exceed their goals.
There are several positives trends in education as noted in the U.S. News and World report, “U.S. Education Still Separate and Unequal”. But much work still remains.
High school graduation rates for African American’s have been trending upward. But still trail Whites and Hispanics.
The average math and reading scores for African Americans has steadily increased over the last two decades. However, both still lag behind Whites and Hispanics.
White children are no longer the majority in elementary education.
African American students made up 12% of the student population at 4-year public institutions, 13% of the student population at 4-year private nonprofit institutions, and 29% of the student population at 4-year private for-profit institutions.
ARTS
The Arts are essential in helping to mold our young adults. As written in the article by KidCreateStudio.com, “Studies show students who engage in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. In fact, countries that consistently score highest in math and the sciences have mandatory art classes in school. 5 reasons why art is important in early childhood development.”
From Art Loft:
The 5 benefits of creating Art
Stimulates the imagination
Makes you more observant
Art enhances problem-solving skills
Art boost self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment
Art reduces stress
The Miracles Foundation will support the talented children in our community and take their talents to new heights. We support all forms of artistic expression, highlighting those centered around music. Our foundation is named after “The Miracles”, the first group at Motown to have a million selling record, Claudette Robinson, Ronnie White, “Smokey” Robinson and Pete Moore. From the 50’s through the 70’s they were one of the most prominent groups of the Motown family and the recording industry as a whole. The Miracles went on to have a long distinguished career including induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and R&B Hall of Fame. As written in the Hall of Fame publication, Rockhall.com, “The Miracles could bring audiences to their feet or to tears with their satiny, smooth vocals. The first act in the budding Motown label, the Miracles were pure musicians. They didn’t rely on flash; with their superior blend and songwriting; they didn’t need it.” We will continue to grow and nurture that level of creative excellence.
WELLNESS
Wellness in the modern age comes in many forms. The Miracles Foundation aims to create a holistic approach to mind, body and spiritual balance. We have two main areas of focus:
Mental Well Being – The existence of the worldwide pandemic has reinforced the importance of making sure that children engage in things that keep them grounded and connected with one another. Extended periods of isolation and separation from friends and family can have a negative effect on their well being. This particularly comes to light in children. The teenage years are critical to their growth and development because the formative years are where bonds are built and relationships are forged that may last a lifetime.
Physical Exercise – From the AIM public health article, 2018, Volume 5, Issue 2, “Estimating physical activity trends among blacks in the United States through examination of four national surveys…. The proportion of Black youth reporting regular physical activity ranged from 33% - 52%; and of Black adults, 27% - 52%. Physical activity was highest amount men, younger age groups, highest education and income groups, and those who were employed and married trends were consistent across surveys. Among Black youth, physical activity decline with increasing grade level, and improvements over the past year to 10 years have been minimal.”
We want to do our part to teach children the importance of maintaining a healthy, well balanced lifestyle. It is our goal to instill healthy habits in the children, that will translate to healthy adults.
How it’s going…
After our formation in the end of 2019, and subsequent pause during the pandemic months of 2020 and 2021, we are back up and running. In the Spring of 2022, we began our operations again, and have a busy remainder if the year planned.
WELLNESS - This summer, in conjunction with some of our partners and supporters, we will host our 1st Annual Health & Wellness Event. Our focus this year will be centered around maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle, even during our pandemic days.
EDUCATION - We will award our annual scholarship for first semester freshmen entering a college, university or trade school during the fall of 2023.
ARTS - The Miracles Foundation we will distribute vouchers for music and dance lessons throughout the year.
FUNDRAISING - Due to the uncertainty with the pandemic restrictions in 2020 and 2021, we put our fundraising events that required gathering in person on hold. We’re now excited to announce our annual, summer fund raising event will resume this year. Please check back soon for details.
Please stay tuned to our Events page for more information…
Where we’re headed…
We will continue to expand our reach within the community and expand the number of children we support annually. Our longer term plan will be the development of our own programming.
WELLNESS: Our goals for health and wellness will be to teach what affect food has on the body, and the long term affects of our eating choices. Additionally, will we continue to share the benefits of maintaining a regular exercise routine, and maintaining good mental fitness habits as well.
EDUCATION: We have begun our annual scholarship awards in 2022. Going forward, we will plan to double the amount of awardees each year. Additionally, we will add college and trade school tours.
ARTS: In 2022 we began offering music scholarships to young, bidding talent. We want to continue that by offering an opportunity to showcase their talents and gain performance experience.
