"Every action we take aligns with our goal to turn our participants into problem-solvers and risk-takers; those who take responsibility for their own actions; those who [act with] commitment, perseverance and grit; and those that have found their passion(s) by defining and understanding themselves and blazing their own path.

-Dr. Michael Baroody, MD, Founder of the 1214 Foundation

1214 Foundation is a non-profit organization helping children reach their full potential through development programs designed to promote their grit, resilience, and well-being. The main mission of the 1214 Foundation is to turn the program participants into problem-solvers and risk-takers.

Children have to address complex challenges, and without support, they can fail. The 1214Foundation offers personalized development programs to boost individual strengths, develop self-confidence, and teach children to regulate their emotions better.

The 1214Foundation.org achieves its goals through two programs:

1. (ARC (Aspire. Reach. Confidence) character development program) helps participants find opportunities for growth and development in the face of difficulties, trauma, and challenges. Resilience helps children overcome conflicts and obstacles, while grit encourages them to pursue long-term goals without giving up. Grit is also necessary to discover their passions and talents and support future academic excellence. The third and final aspect of the ARC program is emotional intelligence. The curriculum helps participants develop self-awareness and self-regulation regarding their emotions. Children completing the program ultimately feel more confident and empowered.

2. (NewArts mastery performing arts program engages participants in performance arts) as a form of character development. One example of the NewArts projects is the staging of a popular children’s story of Matilda, an extraordinary girl who challenges authority and rules to change her destiny. Children participating in the project harness a variety of soft skills, from memorization to teamwork and public speaking and performing, which contribute to their self-confidence and self-efficacy. The participants claim they become more open about their feelings and concerns, feel more confident, and develop skills they use in their everyday lives.

The 1214 Foundation cooperates with individuals, corporations, and local businesses to enhance the existing and develop new programs to help children. The prominent partners include Find Your Light, Baroody Plastic Surgery, Milk, Praxair, Walnut Hill Community Church, Maplewood, Pennsylvania University, and Yale School of Management.

As the 1214 Foundation is a non-profit, its continued existence and success are contingent on the ongoing support from individual and corporate donations, as well as the support from