About Us
Who We Are:
Elimu Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and cultural enrichment. Founded in 2013, our center began as a small tutoring initiative, providing academic support to students. Over time, we have grown into a thriving community resource, offering a variety of programs that cater to children, teenagers, and families.
Our Story:
Elimu started as a home-based tutoring program by Julie Weche, who saw the need for accessible academic support within her community. As demand increased, the center expanded its services, moving into larger facilities and incorporating additional programs such as youth mentorship, summer camps, and cultural events. Today, Elimu Community Center is a vital part of the community, fostering personal growth, educational success, and cultural pride.
After many referrals, Julie moved to a business location in Parkville, Maryland and later to Middle River where the demand for transportation to schools and back grew tremendously. Julie secured van transportation that served numerous families that needed their children taken to school in the mornings and picked up from school in the afternoons.
Elimu Tutoring provided services to students from Kindergarten to High School, with Homework help, Math and Reading Tutoring, GED, SAT, and TOEFL. Students were taught study skills, were guided through Magnet Program preparation as well as College applications and Resume Writing.
With the collaboration of Emmanuel Chapel and Children’s Bible Ministries, Elimu Center ran Mind Education programs and Children’s Bible Studies.
Each summer, Elimu Center runs an exciting Summer Camp that includes educational, physical and social activities for children and youth. Many children have learned how to swim and skate during summer camp. The academic program serves as a bridge for students during the summer months as they transition to the next grade. Teenagers who volunteer at the Summer camp are provided opportunities to mentor children while earning their Student Learning hours required for high school graduation.
Julie has been very engaged in the Kenyan and African community in Maryland. She inspires the youth to celebrate their unique and diverse cultural heritage by organizing annual Festivals and Talent Shows that showcase cultural folklore, attire, dance, poetry, music, games, food and artifacts. The events include Business Expos that feature Businesses and Organizations that sponsor the events.
Julia owned and operated Elimu Driving School, a vital part of Maryland’s Graduated Licensing System for new drivers. Many new immigrants and refugees obtained driver’s education in a caring environment that met their varied language and cultural needs. She also owned a Tags and Title that provided vehicle services at convenient hours to meet the needs of the community.
Like many businesses Elimu services were affected by Covid-19 shutdowns. Elimu did not qualify for the various assistance programs and no other source of revenue was available. Elimu incurred a rent debt of $34,000 and was facing eviction. Julie informed the community as she began to vacate the premises in Middle River.
A few friends decided to mobilize the Kenyan community under “Okoa Elimu” and raised $34,000 in two weeks to pay off the rent and remain open. Elimu will forever be indebted to this community.
Julie decided to restructure the Elimu business model into one that would serve the community in more areas, while remaining sustainable.
Elimu Community Center was approved as a non-profit 503 (c) public charitable organization in 2023. We are seeking operational funds to continue serving the community in the following areas:
After school Tutoring and Homework Help
Summer Camps
Youth Mentorship and Wellness programs
Dance and Fitness programs
Swimming programs
Character building programs
Cultural and Social events
Business Expos
Food Bank and distribution center
We plead with you to help us realize this goal. We hope to secure a spacious building where events and programs will be affordable and accessible. It is our hope that you will help us with your resources and help us obtain grants to support these events and programs.
Our mission
To provide educational support, mentorship, and community programs that empower individuals and promote cultural appreciation, personal development, and lifelong learning.
Our Vision
To create a thriving community where individuals of all backgrounds have access to quality education, cultural enrichment, and opportunities for success.
Core Values
- Education: We believe in lifelong learning and academic excellence.
- Community: We foster strong connections and mutual support among individuals.
- Cultural Diversity: We celebrate and embrace cultural heritage and traditions.
- Empowerment: We equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed for success.
- Integrity: We operate with transparency, accountability, and dedication to our mission.
