Our Mission
Our Mission and Our Why
Mission: We firmly believe that the capacity to read and write is a fundamental human right, indispensable for leading a meaningful and productive life. The Peaches and Sourcream Children’s Foundation, Inc. (PSCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children in PreK-3rd grades. Our mission at The Peaches and Sourcream Children’s Foundation, Inc. is to use the power of literacy to eliminate the school-to-prison pipeline and address the hidden achievement disparities that disproportionately affect children in foster care.
Vision: Every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, develops strong literacy skills, turning every book they read into a key that opens doors to opportunities, not prison.
Why: A comprehensive education begins with strong reading skills, which serve as the bedrock of academic accomplishment and lifelong prosperity. Reading holds particular significance for students contending with social and economic barriers. Regrettably, numerous children find themselves at a heightened risk of academic underachievement and subsequent life choices that may jeopardize their prospects for long and fruitful lives.
Children who do not develop proficient reading abilities often disengage emotionally from the process of reading. Therefore, it is imperative to instill the art of reading in children, especially in an era characterized by the rapid evolution of information. We must emphasize that reading must transcend mere skill achievement and evolve into a way of life.
As Dr. Seuss astutely reminds us, "the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." This journey includes the pursuit of higher education, the attainment of lucrative careers, and the realization of the American dream,
The members of the Peaches and Sourcream Children's Foundation, Inc. (PSCF) proudly champion the cause of children and literacy. Our primary mission revolves around cultivating the sheer delight of reading in young minds!
Our Belief About the Problem
The Problem
We have embraced the responsibility of challenging the School-To-Prison Pipeline, a destructive process that perpetuates stereotypes, criminalizes school-age children, and enforces disciplinary policies within schools that unnecessarily involve law enforcement. Ultimately, this system leads many students down a path that ejects them from schools and into the prison system.
The root cause of this issue, as identified by the National Council on Teacher Quality, lies in systemic racism. While America possesses the resources to educate children, it frequently fails to do so effectively, resulting in poor reading skills.
The 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal that only 35% of 4th graders are proficient in reading. Regrettably, research indicates that the prospects for success among children in foster care are even bleaker. This dire situation is commonly referred to as the "Invisible Gap for Children in Foster Care."
We have joined the battle against these injustices, aiming to instill in children the belief that reading should be a primary source of recreation and empowerment.
Our Commitment
Commitment to Excellence:
The Peaches and Sourcream Children's Foundation is dedicated to fostering a love for reading and writing among children. We serve as facilitators, creating opportunities for young minds to engage in these activities with joy. Our mission begins with philanthropic endeavors aimed at garnering vital support to develop programs that break down barriers to literacy.
These crucial funds empower us to procure books, school supplies, uniforms, new or gently-used clothing, food, and toys, all of which directly benefit the children participating in our initiatives. However, our work doesn't stop there. We firmly believe that true change occurs when we take a proactive approach, venturing into schools and other child-centric institutions. Here, we meet students where they are, guiding them towards a path of excellence through our literacy and intervention programs.
What We Do
What We Do:
At the intersection of social services and social justice, we focus on two goals: closing the literacy gaps that are fueling the School-To- Prison pipelines, and closing the Invisible gaps for students in foster care. We are champions of children and literacy! We specialize in creating wonderful 45-60-minute student- tailored reading experience in small literacy groups.
We facilitate fundamental literacy skills to children struggling with reading in non-traditional, fun-filled ways designed to spread the JOY of reading, build vocabulary and writing skills.
Our Key Initiatives:
Literacy Advancement: PSCF is committed to enhancing literacy skills among children in grades K-3. We provide comprehensive resources and support to foster a love for reading and writing, ultimately setting them on a path towards academic success and personal growth.
School-to-Prison Pipeline Eradication:
We actively work to eliminate the School-to-Prison Pipeline, focusing on preventing at-risk children from being drawn into the criminal justice system due to educational disadvantages. By investing in early education and literacy, we empower children to make positive life choices.
Addressing Achievement Disparities:
PSCF acknowledges the alarming achievement gaps that children in foster care face. Our programs specifically target this demographic, offering tailored support to bridge these gaps, ensuring that every child in foster care has an equal opportunity for success.
Community Engagement:
We foster community involvement and collaboration by engaging with local schools, organizations, and volunteers. Together, we build a network of support that amplifies our impact, creating a united front against illiteracy and educational disparities.
What We Provide:
- Year-round Building Libraries in Homes.
- A four-week online summer Reading program, combating learning loss and summer slide.
The School-to- Prison Pipeline & Men in Blue
The school-to-prison pipeline is a term used to describe a troubling, racially biased phenomenon that disproportionately impacts children of color—especially African American students. It refers to the excessive use of detentions, suspensions, and even expulsions for minor infractions, pushing students out of classrooms and into the criminal justice system.
I remember my mother warning me in elementary school: "Behave, don’t get into trouble—pink slips and infractions will follow you." In other words, once labeled, you would be tracked. While I had a few reprimands, I was never suspended. This was likely because, during my school years, parents, educators, and communities worked together. There were no metal detectors, no school officers—just teachers who saw potential and nurtured it.
This past Saturday, February 15, 2025, PSCF, in partnership with Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, hosted our 5th Annual Book Fair—a huge success! Our program director, Robin Muldor-Engram, standing at the entrance, greeting customers with: "Hello, may I encourage you to purchase just one book for a child to read this summer?" Many immediately said yes, while others hesitated. This is where the art of persuasion comes in.
One memorable moment was when a police officer entered the store, heading straight for Starbucks. Robin noticed him but was engaged with another customer. As he was leaving, she excused herself and asked, "Excuse me, Officer, can i encourage you to purchase a book for a child to read this summer ?"
His initial response? "I don’t think I have it (money) right now."
Robin replied with a pointed yet powerful question: "Aww, don’t you want to help a child read—to keep them out of prison?"
His reaction was defensive: "Oh, come on now."
But then she rephrased, using a term familiar in both law enforcement and education: "I’m only asking if you’d like to help stop the school-to-prison pipeline, sir?"
That shift changed everything. The officer’s demeanor softened. Not only did he buy a book—he bought three. He even posed for a picture, which Robin later sent him as a keepsake, before heading back on duty.
The Moral of the Story?
Until we help each other see the humanity in a cause, real change remains out of reach. Let’s continue bridging gaps, fostering empathy, and investing in the future of our children—one book at a time. ~Robin Muldor-Engram
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