2013 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Groove With Me, Inc.

3,239 Pageviews Read Stories

 

 

Add to Favorites

Share this Nonprofit

Donate

Volunteering Oportunities

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Dance, Education, Youth Development

Mission: Groove With Me, Inc. is a youth development organization using free dance classes and performance opportunities as a tool to instill in the young women of East Harlem the leadership, pride, spirit of cooperation, creativity, joy and discipline needed to confront the adversity in their daily lives and throughout their future development. The program seeks to decrease teen pregnancy, truancy, crime, violence, prostitution, substance abuse and gang related activity by nurturing youth, building self-confidence, offering positive choices, and providing a safe place to go. Groove With Me, Inc. is a community based organization that provides girls with access to girls-only after-school and summer programming. As a youth development program Groove With Me seeks to meet the developmental needs of our youth while building up their competencies. Our dance program is guided by the recognition that all youth need safety and structure, a sense of belonging, opportunities for contribution and leadership, and ways to develop positive character. At Groove With Me, girls develop positive peer relationships, participate in creative activities, feel a sense of purpose and personal power, and meet their own high expectations. Only one quarter of youth programming in New York City is targeted at girls. While programming for boys and men exceeds that for girls and women in NYC, the increased risk for girls continues. A study by the New York Women's Foundation states that youth who are best able to negotiate the trials of growing up even in the harshest of circumstances often have an adult in their lives who provides sustained support, caring, and guidance. It is not poverty, as many believe, that is the greatest cause of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and violence in women. It is lack of validation and knowledge of options. At Groove With Me girls find the support they need from adults who are role models and mentors. Girls' access to after school activities is impeded by safety, household responsibilities, lack of programming targeting girls, lack of outreach by women role models, and peer pressure. Groove With Me addresses these obstacles by offering a large selection of class times and styles of dance that are separated into various age groups. Groove With Me, Inc. offers more than 35 dance classes for girls aged 4-18, six days a week, given by 40 volunteer dance instructors.

Community Stories

29 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

j.lampon Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/22/2013

Hi my dougther had started the dance class this summer at GWM. She love attending to classes. The staff or amazing,my dougther would love to go back on fall.

1

varnersv Client Served

Rating: 5

07/18/2013

GWM is an amazing organization! Fun, friendly, positive environment! Great staff, shows, and the memories created are priceless. My daughter has been a student for 4 years and she is just as excited as when she first started. GO GWM !

1

maria m Client Served

Rating: 5

07/18/2013

Both my daughters used to dance with Groove With Me for two years. We love the program and the staff! I loved that they had deep conversations with my teenager about the media's messages and self esteem. My girls stopped going to GWM because we moved but Meredith still keeps us informed @ all the different opportunities available in NYC. Thank you, Meredith! Miss you guys!, Maria, NayNay & Rae
(we recommend Groove With Me to people all the time)

1

Chloe N. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/18/2013

My daughter is 5 and she just started last year and I have had nothing but great moments. Its an awesome dance school and they care about the students. I give them all high ratings..

Tavika K. Client Served

Rating: 4

07/11/2013

Today began my daughters experience with Groove With Me, Inc. and I must say she was less than excited. When we were informed that we'd missed the registration period for the dance classes she practically lost hope of enjoying herself. I signed her up for Nia: Imagination in Motion w Sarah & Cara because I was sure she would enjoy it and felt it would be a great introduction to dance. This morning on the way she insisted that she wouldn't "have any fun". Needless to say, the after class walk was filled with excitement and anticipation for next week. I appreciate that she was turned around right from the start and I look forward to my daughter learning lots and loving every bit of!

glawtonmoore Client Served

Rating: 5

07/03/2013

Our daughter has been with Groove With Me for 5 or 6 years. She loves it and one can't help but notice the coordination improvement, as well as the growth in self confidence. When she started she was still and unable to physically interpret music and motion. We enjoy the staff, and we especially appreciate the sense of community that exists and gracefulness with which all of the young ladies and little girls carry themselves. This year, the end of year performance at the Apollo was especially well crafted.

glawtonmoore

Novella S. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/12/2013

My daughter is now 20 years old, she danced with Groove With Me for (4) years and loved it. I had the pleasure of participating in the Mother & Daughter dance which was a lot of fun. The staff is patient and attentive to the students as well as the parents. I love the fact that once my child stop going to classes I still receive emails keeping me posted on what is happening in the City. This has allowed me to find wonderful activities for my grandchildren with they visit from out of town. I'm considering placing my stepdaughter in the program to allow her to blossom the way my daughter did. The program helped my daughter become a flower and get in touch with her ability to dance and not be shy.

janellebria Client Served

Rating: 5

06/10/2013

My daughter has attended GWM for 5 years. My daughter loves attending the classes. My daughter has a network of friends along with myself. The staff is AMAZING. My daughter cannot wait for the next fall classes. My child gets to perform at the Apollo where legends are made! GWM provides all the uniforms where we dont have to come out of pockets for those that can't afford. I would highly reccommend this program to everyone.

Simone R. Client Served

Rating: 5

06/06/2013

Groove with me is the perfect afterschool program! My daughter absolutely loves it she has a network of friends,she went from being shy to very outgoing.The teachers are very nice and nurturing!

Lomax Client Served

Rating: 5

06/06/2013

My daughter has attended GWM for 10 years. My daughter takes several classes each year and I must say she is an AMAZING tap dancer (Thanks Margarite). It has been a positive experience for her and my family. The staff is very caring. The staff has seen my daughter flourish into her teenage years. It is truly like an extended family. GWM staff monitors the girls/young ladies and ensure they stay focused and on task. In addition, GWM provides restrictions and encouragement when needed. I highly recommend GWM.

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, not only to my daughter but to ALL those who attend!!!

c_barea General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/06/2013

My daughter has been attending groove with me since she was 4 years old. My daughter loves this school and the teachers are amazing. All of the staff are friendly and are so helpful with everything. My daughter has learned so much and loves being a part of such a wonderful organization. My daughter loves performing and enjoys dancing with her team of friends. It is also great to watch them while they practice. The teachers are very organized and respectful especially towards the children. I see my child still attending Groove with me for a very long time.

carlise Client Served

Rating: 5

06/06/2013

Groove with me is an amazing dance school. My daughter is around positive and beautiful talented dance teacher. The staff are very nice and helpful. They have books in there waiting room so your child can read while waiting for her dance class. The parents are friendly too, I admire everything they have done for us. my daughter was in another dance school that i payed for and was treated poorly. I am so thankful for GROOVE WITH ME!!! It is an awesome place, i recommend all girls to attend.

Shaton A. Client Served

Rating: 5

06/05/2013

Groove with Me is an awesome program. My daughter was attending a dance school that I was paying for and she preferred Groove with Me. The founder is very nice caring and professional. The staff shows genuine interest in all the girls that attend which is awesome.
I'm excited about sending my daughter back in the Fall since she was unable to attend the summer session.

Kirsys G. Client Served

Rating: 5

06/05/2013

My daughter has been attending Groove With Me for 2 years now. I'm so blessed to have find this free program! My daughter's passion for dancing has grown tremendously. Meredith is always sharing valuable information about programs and events going on in the city. I look forward to her emails :-)

boom_boom Board Member

Rating: 5

12/04/2012

I've been a ballet teacher & Board Member at Groove with Me for 3 years. In this short amount of time, I have seen our adorable girls blossom from the encouragement, love and support they receive from their dance classes and the staff. This organization is a magical place. I have witnessed time and time again how the power of movement, friendship and a sense of accomplishment (from learning dance steps) can directly impact the mood, attitude & behavior of our students. I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization and look forward to helping it grow.

Svarner Client Served

Rating: 5

12/02/2012

fun friendly encouraging environment and staff. Great shows and always sending out valuable info!

Jamali Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/30/2012

I have been involved with Groove With Me for almost eight years now and every minute of it has been a blessing. It's inevitable that you become part of the family the minute you walk in to their studio. In January 2005, I began teaching as an assistant and that summer was given my own class. I continued as a volunteer, often loving it more than my paid jobs, and in 2009, joined GWM staff as the Program Coordinator for the Teen Leadership Committee. For three years, I was fortunate to work with such amazing young women, who continue to inspire me today. These experiences have given me the strength to now pursue my own dreams in life. My involvement still hasn't changed, as I continue to teach my wonderful group of teens. I'm sure I'm not the only one with a story or who has fallen in love with this organization. Groove With Me will always be more than just a dance studio. It's a home away from home.

hskirbe Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/30/2012

Gets kids moving and having FUN! Fantastic dance training helps build self esteem and teaches them how to make healthy life choices at an early age. All around a great organization.

PetiteDiva Board Member

Rating: 5

11/29/2012

I started teaching at Groove With Me at the very beginning in 1997. I have seen this program go from 6 beautiful little girls to almost 300 beautiful little girls and beautiful young ladies. I am proud to be a member of the Board and to have served as the Chairwoman for 5 years, but mostly I am proud of Groove With Me and what they do everyday for their girls.

Tania O. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/28/2012

Groove With Me is truly a top notch organization. The skilled and caring staff coupled with the dedicated and talented teachers ensures a wonderful experience for the girls.

sameeee Donor

Rating: 5

11/27/2012

Amazing teachers and staff that give their time to create a safe and FUN place for kids to be kids and dance around! Nothing is better than the end of year performances and seeing those little guys dance around on stage in front of their proud parents. It makes all the time and effort worth it.

Ken_17 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/16/2012

Amazing organization that helps children learn that being themselves in public is super fun! The dancing is great but is secondary to putting the spotlight on hundreds of young people and allowing them to shine!

Ronese A. General Member of the Public

Rating: 3

11/16/2012

Groove With Me is a great organization for girls to learn dance!

Marilin R. Client Served

Rating: 5

11/16/2012

I love this program, my daughter has been dancing with Groove With Me for 5 years and she loves it

jwilsnack Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

Groove With Me has changed my life. I started volunteering as a dance teacher almost 5 years ago and am so glad I am a art of the GWM family. I love that healthy choices, positive values, and community are emphasized in this organization, and feel so appreciated by the staff, students and their parents. I look forward to teaching my 3 classes every Saturday morning, and always leave with a smile on my face. I love seeing my former students advance in their classes and grow into strong young women. I also enjoy working with my teen mentee who assists me teaching one of my classes- I have noticed her leadership skills and confidence blossom in the year and a half I have worked with her. I can't say enough wonderful things about GWM!

barblrosin Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

Groove With Me has touched many lives in such a profound way.

C Ramos Client Served

Rating: 4

10/25/2012

Grove with Me is an amazing organization that allows many under privileged young ladies to proof their talents and struggles through movement. This organization has proven that talent does not size on how big the facilities is, but on the amount of young ladies they serve. In the beginning of the year, Groove with me concluded the year with a talent show at the Famous Apollo Theater....through my observation, I witnessed many talents but my concentration lied on one particular individual which was the founder of this program, Mrs. Meredith Sherman who demonstrated dedication, equal opportunity for all members, but most importantly the thought of creating such an amazing atmosphere. I solute you, Mrs. Sherman.

kellz1103 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2012

My three girls started Groove With Me in the summer of 2012 and we love it. I am super grateful that my girls can get a chance to be involved in this program because I am a single mom of four kids and I can't afford to pay for three girls to be enrolled in dance classes. The staff at Groove With Me is SUPER AWESOME and my kids and I adore them very much. My family and I are kind of going through a crisis and having my girls dance takes a lot of our problems off of their minds. I hope Groove With Me will continue their program for many decades to come.

Jennifer144 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2012

I have been a Groove With Me volunteer for just under two years now. Making the decision to volunteer weekly as a Jazz dance teacher for 12-18 year old girls living in Harlem, is one of my proudest. Growing up in a small town in Connecticut where I had the privilege to take many dance classes, I understand and vividly remember how much joy the art of dance brought into my life - the friendships it created for me, and the confidence it instilled in me. These girls are so wonderful and eager to learn and I've watched them grow as dancers and young women before my eyes from one school year to the next through Groove With Me's after school program. It is a very special organization that can attract so many (40!) committed volunteers who not only offer up their free time to be there for the girls and make weekly dance classes possible, but also return year after year after year. I look forward to my class each week and seeing my students, and enjoy being in an environment that is generous, encouraging, and has such a successful impact on the girls' lives.

Need help?