Copy of ABOUT ZBEF

ABOUT US

The Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation (ZBEF)

is a non-profit 501(c3) organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and teens by fostering collaborations across counties

Our goal is to minimize violence in our inner-city communities by providing an array of supportive services to at-risk youth and their families. ZBEF has over 20 years of experience working with at -risk youth and low-income families using proven best practices.


Through a partnership with First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens under the leadership and mentorship of Pastor Deforest B. Soaries, the ZBEF is another doorway to assist the community. Over the past 20-years, the ZBEF has been a consistent beacon of light in several communities in New Jersey. The organization has established an excellent rapport with youth and families in multiple housing developments within the Greater New Brunswick and Somerset, NJ areas. The ZBEF has taken an extra interest in youth and children who seem to have difficulty in school, as well as first-time juvenile offenders. Gina Bowser, the founder of the organization once said, “Our heart’s desire is to see each child grow up and have a dynamic future. It is because knowledge is power, our organization views education as a pathway to success.”


In addition to weekly tutoring sessions in the basement of the church, the enrichment foundation offers various support groups for teens and their parents. The group leaders facilitate life skill development classes that focuses on resume writing and interviewing skills. The group also has light discussions on topics such as bullying, career goals, self-respect, and making effective decisions. After all group interactions, snacks are provided, and relevant life literature is passed out.

Due to the connections established with other community agencies, the ZBEF is able to maximize their reach to assist hundreds of youth and families. Through their community collaborations, the ZBEF created and maintains the following outreach programs:

  • Peace & Unity Community Block Party
  • Gift of Love Christmas Toy Drive
  • From the Heart - Thanksgiving Food Drive
  • A Mother's Appeal
  • “Get Your School” Back to School Supply Drive
  • The Founding Ladies of ZBEF
  • Food from the Heart – Food Bank
  • The Billboard Campaign
  • Rainbow of Hope Program
  • Men of Distinction (M.O.B.) Mentoring Program
  • Men of Distinction Awards Gala
  • Women of Distinction Awards
  • Ladies by Design Debutante Program
  • College & University Volunteer Program
  • The ZBEF V-Free Video https://youtu.be/7dWf5ST5Gms
  • Stop The Funeral HBCU College Tours

OUR MISSION

The mission of the ZBEF is to provide supportive services, mentorship and educational programs to at risk youth which prepares them better for life challenges and enables them to reach their full potential. Through life skill and family engagement sessions youth and teens gain their independence and strengthen the family structure. Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation seeks to continue to uplift America’s poor and marginalized communities, one youth and family unit at a time.

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