Welcome To Gentrified Wood.
A transformative project that empowers urban youth through woodworking, creativity, and community engagement, preserving history while building brighter futures.
Our mission is to take the materials from a changing city and use them to teach mindfulness to the inner-city youth.
Kids are born with this incredible spark, this little flame inside them. We think it's our job to fan that flame, to give it air to breathe. We're talking about teaching kids to take a deep breath, really feel their bodies, and find their voice. Gentrified Wood is about helping them untangle the knots,.. the ones that hold them back. We're mixing art and heart, and a little bit of magic, to help these kids shine.
A movement that empowers the youth
Being active in the community helps young people build belonging, purpose, and a lasting sense of connection.
Engaging the community
Bringing The Youth Together
Teaching Valuable Skills
The Pillars of our belief system
We are always excited to talk about our impact!
Child satisfaction
35 kids Impacted so far
We’re deeply grateful for the 35 incredible kids who have joined our program, each bringing their unique energy and creativity to help build a brighter future through woodworking.
Completed Projects
We’re incredibly proud that our students have completed 50+ unique projects, each reflecting their creativity, skill, and growth while preserving stories and making a lasting impact on their communities.
We love our work, but we need you. How you can help!
We’re deeply thankful for your generosity—it fuels our mission and transforms young lives!
Our approach is based around our local community
We work with houses set to be generified in our community, train children from our community, and ultimately teach the history of our community.
Gather Wood from generified projects.
We partner with locals to reclaim materials from demolished houses, giving new life to discarded wood.
Train students on how to work with those pieces
Working in small groups fosters connection, trust, and personal growth, creating a supportive, heartfelt learning environment.
Share and engage with our local community
Being active in the community helps young people build belonging, purpose, and a lasting sense of connection.
We're not just teaching woodwork or breathing exercises.
We’re rewiring how you relate. Imagine a world where every interaction feels like a deep breath, where your voice matters, and where listening is a superpower. That’s what we’re building.
A word from one of our kids
This has been the best thing ever
“Working with wood has helped me find my voice and build confidence. It’s taught me patience, creativity, and how to make something meaningful. I feel proud of what I create and who I’m becoming.”
Second Year Builder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gentrified Wood all about?
Gentrified Wood is a organization that empowers urban youth through woodworking, art, and restorative practices. Our mission is to help kids find their voice, learn valuable skills, and preserve the stories of our changing communities.
Who can participate in your programs?
Our programs are designed for young people in urban areas, particularly those affected by the challenges of gentrification and community displacement. We aim to provide a safe, creative space for personal growth and storytelling.
Can I buy the pieces made by the students?
Absolutely! The art and furniture created in our programs are available for purchase. Every sale supports the program, helping us continue to teach and inspire.
