.png)
OUR STORY
HomeWorks was born from a simple yet powerful idea: what if all girls had access to a safe, empowering space where they could learn not just for grades, but to discover who they are and how they can change the world?
​
The inspiration came from a high school dorm in the U.S., where a group of young women lived and learned together—supporting one another, growing in confidence, and realizing their collective power. That environment, rooted in sisterhood and self-discovery, transformed lives.
Years later, in Trenton, NJ, classrooms echoed with students’ voices saying they didn’t feel seen or safe in their schools or communities. Though from different backgrounds, their stories were strikingly similar. HomeWorks was founded to reimagine what education and care could look like—by bringing the transformative experience of a residential, identity-affirming learning community to the students who need it most.
A Word from Our Founder
Watch how Natalie's personal boarding school experience inspired her to develop a new educational model in the city of Trenton.
Our Successes
Over the past 7 years we have raised over 6.5 million to impact over 70 scholars, and successfully run 7 programs.
2017
Our first year • Summer Residential Pilot • 5 Scholars • Raised $97,170 • Measured Social-Emotional Growth
2018
Increasing our impact • Summer Residential Program • 10 Scholars • Raised $106,898 • Measured Social-Emotional Growth
2019
During the school year • Fall Residential Program • 11 Scholars • Raised $269,126 • Improved Attendance • Measured Social- Emotional Growth
2020 - 2021
Through the pandemic • Adapted In-Person Day Program (M-F, 8am-5pm) • 12 Scholars • Raised $444,828 • 93% Attendance Rate (vs. 70% attendance rate in Trenton) • 2.8 Average GPA (vs. 1.3 Median in Trenton) • Measured Social-Emotional Growth
2021 - 2022
Our first academic year-long residential program • Fully in-person residential program • 11 Scholars • Daily in-person programming • Daily in-person academic assistance • Increased focus on mental well-being and social emotional health • Daily meals and transportation • Our first graduating senior, Darae, has been accepted to 9 colleges and is attending Montclair State University on a full ride • A 93% attendance rate compared to 70% in Trenton schools, which are risk factors for poverty and homelessness.
2022 - 2023
Our second full academic year-long residential program • Worked w/ 12 students • Second graduating senior accepted to TCNJ, majoring in Computer Science • 97% average attendance for HomeWorks scholars compared to 83% for Trenton Ninth Grade Academy students. • 3.45 Average GPA for HomeWorks scholars compared to 2.79 Average for Trenton Public Schools (9th - 12th grade)
2023 - 2024
Our third academic year-long residential program • Worked w/ 12 students • 2nd graduating senior accepted to TCNJ studying CS • 96% average attendance for HomeWorks scholars compared to 88% for Trenton Public School students. • 3.53 Average GPA/3.67 Median GPA for HomeWorks scholars compared to 2.79 Average for Trenton Public Schools (9th - 12th grade)
_edited.png)