Center for the Empowerment of Families Inc. is a grassroots organization which was founded in 2006 by the late Dr. Sharon Jacques-Rabb, a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed M.F.C.C. , educator, lead pastoral counselor and guest speaker at various conferences and workshops. Dr. Rabb’s purpose was to address the problems of disintegration of family systems.
Through the foundation and because of Dr. Rabb, CEF is able to provide services to neglected and traumatized victims in underserved communities and developed leaders to empower disenfranchised populationsby eradicating the silence, shame and stigma that destroys lives of marginalized groups. We thank you for supporting her legacy.
The Center for the Empowerment of Families, Inc. (CEF) provides community-based arts education that combines mentorship, creative expression, and healing-centered practices to support youth and families. Our programming creates opportunities for participants to explore their identities, develop life skills, build positive relationships, and express themselves in a supportive environment.
Mentorship with Integrated Arts: CEF connects young people with mentors who use creative activities to build trust, encourage self-expression, and support personal growth. Through visual arts, ceramics, fiber arts, music, gardening, and other hands-on projects, participants can explore their experiences, identify their strengths, and work toward personal goals. Mentorship provides space for youth to feel heard and supported while developing communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Healing-Centered Youth Workshops: Our workshops bring together the arts, movement, mindfulness, and wellness to help young people express themselves and explore ways to care for their emotional well being. Activities may include intuitive painting, ceramics, gardening, fiber arts, watercolor & canvas, movement, breathing exercises, and sound experiences. These workshops encourage youth to participate at their own comfort level while building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
CEF brings arts and wellness opportunities to young people in a variety of settings, including schools, community spaces, local parks, shelters & housing spaces, juvenile halls, and camps. We recognize that each young person has their own experiences, strengths, and goals, and we aim to create meaningful opportunities for them to learn, create, and grow.
Professional Development and Training: CEF also supports the adults who work with youth and families through professional development experiences. These sessions can incorporate creative arts, mindfulness, movement, and reflection to encourage staff wellness, strengthen connections among colleagues, and provide practical activities that participants can bring into their work.