About
Our Philosophy
Our Mission and Values
Asset Based Community Development
Banyan believes that when youth, family, and community are synchronized the greatest progress is made on education and poverty. We utilize an asset-based approach to community development. This stands in sharp contrast to a deficit and liabilities approach, one where everything is broken. Experts define community development as a process that fosters “capacity building both inside and outside of neighborhood boundaries which produces assets that improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents.”
Our goals are rooted in our Theory of Change, which states that education is one of the most powerful antipoverty strategies. Banyan believes that this strategy has a greater impact in communities formed from the inside out. It builds on existing assets that will increase ownership of and access to various resources that are necessary to thrive (financial, physical, political, social, etc.). Utilizing an asset-based community development approach, we start at the roots by penetrating our neighborhood with inputs that include social capital, best practices, research, lived experience, community leadership and connection, expert staff, partnerships, and financial capital. We then provide interlinked, holistic, and interdependent program activities that help develop youth, strengthening families, and create community.
This focused approach is what brings about our Mastery Outcomes of:
- reconciled people
- committed learners
- leading citizens
- future oriented
Far more than a youth development program, Banyan is a community development organization that provides a nucleus where families in the Phillips neighborhood connect with and support each other, and where parents are empowered to be deeply involved in their children’s education. Families develop authentic relationships and partnerships with staff, with the outcome of helping youth succeed. Neighbors get to know each other building trust and connections leading to a stronger community and increased social capital.
Equity Statement
Our mission is only possible through a commitment to the values and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Authentic community development demands we foster relationships and create spaces where everyone can belong and contribute to the shared work of social justice. As a community, we commit to the following:
- Youth: Develop all youth to learn, grow, and succeed by understanding and appreciating their diverse experiences, personal assets, and aspirations.
- Family: Strengthen families by removing barriers to opportunities and making equitable resources accessible so all families can thrive.
- Community: Create inclusive neighborhoods through trust-based relationships that unite our community in a collective pursuit of the common good.
“I love how Banyan supports families and kids. My kids really enjoy coming here and the educators do a great job.”
“I am so grateful for Banyan. I trust Banyan and the staff here with my children, which is very important to me.”
“Sometimes I think of moving to the suburbs due to the drug and homeless issues but, then I think of Banyan and my neighbors, friends and family and I say – I CAN NEVER LEAVE PHILLIPS.”
“I’m glad I came to Banyan this summer or else I would just be at home bored watching TV instead of doing fun things like crafts.”
“I’m thankful that we have had Banyan to guide us through this college process. We have never done this before, and don’t know anything about college or financial aid. It was good to know that our son had Banyan to help him understand things and explain the steps.”
“Banyan teaches you to stand up for what you know is right, to handle the situation in a respectful manner.”
“I give to Banyan because I know that my gift will go a long way both in impact with the community as well as effectiveness with a well-run organization.”