EmpowerED Growing Minds
Every mind has the potential to grow, but without the right support, too many students face unnecessary challenges. EmpowerED Growing Minds in St. Louis, Missouri, is dedicated to fostering development at every stage—providing the training, mentorship, and educational resources that parents, teachers, and children need to thrive.
Your donation will help expand our reach, develop new programs, and create a future where every child, regardless of their learning style, has the support they need to succeed. Together, we can cultivate brighter futures for all.
Mission
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, our mission is to bridge the gap in education for neurodiverse children by providing families with access to affordable science-based tutoring, scholarships, and specialized programs, while empowering educators with the resources, training, mental health services, and support needed to create inclusive and effective learning environments. Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, we aim to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Vision
Our vision is to create a world where every neurodiverse child thrives by empowering families with access to affordable tutoring, scholarships, and specialized educational programs, while equipping educators with the tools, resources, and support they need to nurture every child’s full potential.
What We Do
Education and Awareness
- Offers workshops or training for teachers, parents, and the public about different neurodivergent conditions.
- Helps people understand the strengths and challenges associated with neurodivergent minds.
- Reduces stigma and misinformation.
Advocacy
- Advocates for inclusive policies in schools.
- Supports legislation that protects the rights of neurodivergent individuals.
- Encourages universal design practices (e.g., flexible learning environments or sensory-friendly spaces).
Support Services
- Provides coaching, mentoring, or therapy tailored to neurodivergent needs.
- Offers family support groups or parenting resources.
- Helps with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans in schools.
Community Building
- Creates safe spaces for neurodivergent children and their families to connect, share experiences, and thrive.
- Hosts events that celebrate neurodiversity and promote inclusion.
Skill Development
- Offers programs to build executive functioning, communication, or social-emotional skills in neurodivergent children.
About Us
Lauren Weissman Kerner never imagined that becoming a mother would also make her an advocate, an educator, and eventually a nonprofit founder. But life has a way of guiding us where we’re most needed.
When her children were diagnosed as neurodivergent, there were moments of confusion, countless appointments, and hours spent researching, trying to understand how best to support their development, education, and emotional wellbeing. Lauren soon realized this wasn’t just a parenting journey—it was a calling.
OUR IMPACT
Why It Matters
Bridging the educational gap for neurodivergent children is crucial because it enables them to reach their full potential and thrive in school and beyond. Neurodivergent students often learn differently and may face challenges in traditional educational settings, which can lead to frustration, disengagement, mental health issues, and underachievement. By understanding and addressing their unique needs, educators can create inclusive environments where all students can succeed.
