tt-time

tt-time was created in 2006 to provide children who live in impoverished neighborhoods an opportunity to escape the daily scene of violence, drugs, guns, poverty and peer pressure; which plague our youth.  Schools used to be a stable for providing great after school programs, but with multiple budget cuts many courses have been phased out or have limited enrollment. So it becomes a parent's worst nightmare when trying to give their children productive, positive activities, when the resources are restricted, and many parents have financial hardships.

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To combat this frightening reality, we offer talent showcases and volunteer opportunities throughout the year to engage our children in enriched, constructive, productive, creative, thought provoking, team building, and meaningful activities.

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In addition, our founder, Tiona Brown-Smith has created the Expression Zone, to service young females who are in need of mentoring. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse and neglect, she knows the importance of a solid, strong self-esteem and the benefits of a support system. Many young women live in silence while their past and current pains eat away at them. They often engage in unproductive and sometimes harmful activities because they do not have the tools needed to heal, to empower themselves and to be better than their circumstances. Given the opportunity to “Express” themselves, the young women in the Expression Zone have overcome the pains of molestation, neglect, low self-esteem, and feelings of abandonment, when given the knowledge and training to do better. So many participants have re-enrolled in school, graduated from alternative schools, sought specialized counseling services and parenting classes, and are changing the trajectory of their lives.

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The Expression Zone has serviced young women in select schools in the city of Philadelphia, as well as in private facilities and homes. The program has had much success and continues to build up young women, one Expression Zone at a time!