ABOUT US
Empowering Compton
Youth & Families
Empowering Compton youth and families through mentorship, wellness, basic needs access, and community partnerships that create pathways to healing, stability, and opportunity.
Who We Are
Wins & Lessons Foundation is a Compton-based nonprofit committed to strengthening youth, families, and community wellness through direct service, mentorship, prevention programming, and high-impact community events.
Our work is rooted in the belief that young people do not thrive in isolation. They thrive when families are supported, basic needs are met, trusted mentors are present, and communities have access to resources that promote safety, healing, and opportunity.
Through programs, partnerships, and community-centered events, Wins & Lessons Foundation helps connect residents to practical support, wellness resources, youth development opportunities, and pathways that reduce barriers and strengthen long-term outcomes.
We envision a Compton where every young person and family has access to the support, resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
We believe community wellness begins with access, trust, and consistency. We create spaces where youth and families can receive support without judgment.
Measurable Impact
5,000+
Families Served
with clothes, household items, and essential resources
4,000+
Toys Given
4,000+
Meals
2,000+
Youth Reached Mental health resources
750+
Backpacks
150+
Mentored
30
Graduated
Addressing Social & Economic Determinants
Wins & Lessons Foundation addresses the social and economic conditions that shape health, wellness, safety, and opportunity for youth and families in Compton. Our work impacts key areas including:
Core Programs
Mentors 2 Da Trenches
Mentors 2 Da Trenches is a community-based mentorship initiative designed to reach youth where they are and surround them with positive, consistent, and culturally grounded support.
The program connects young people with mentors who understand their environment, lived experiences, challenges, and potential. Through mentorship, guidance, encouragement, and accountability, Mentors 2 Da Trenches helps youth build confidence, make positive decisions, and see new possibilities for their future.
Built Different Summit
The Built Different Youth Mental Health & Wellness Summit is a youth-centered event created to normalize conversations around mental health, wellness, identity, resilience, and support.
The summit brings together young people, families, community leaders, service providers, and wellness professionals to create a safe and empowering space for learning, healing, and connection.
Built Different helps reduce stigma, increase access to mental health and wellness resources, and remind youth that their story, voice, and future matter.
Back-to-School Block Party
The Back-to-School Block Party is a community resource event designed to help students and families begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and support.
The event provides access to school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, hygiene items, diapers, clothing, haircuts, wellness resources, community services, food, and family-centered activities.
More than a giveaway, it is a prevention and stability effort that addresses the social and economic barriers that often impact student readiness, family wellness, and educational success.
Christmas in Compton
Christmas in Compton provides families with holiday support, community connection, and access to resources during a season that can be financially and emotionally difficult for many households.
Through gifts, food, basic needs support, and community partnerships, the initiative helps families experience joy, dignity, and relief while reinforcing the message that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Community Resource & Wellness Events
Wins & Lessons Foundation hosts and supports community resource events that connect residents to essential services, wellness support, food access, family resources, mentorship, and trusted community partners.
These events are designed to meet immediate needs while also building long-term relationships between families, service providers, and community-based support systems.
Upcoming Event
2nd Annual
Back to School Block Party
The Wins & Lessons Foundation invites you to join us! We are “outside for the youth — with purpose” and looking for partners to help us make a difference for Compton youth and families.
We are looking for resource partners, food vendors, recreation vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to help us provide:
- Backpack and school supply giveaways
- Youth and family resources
- Food and entertainment
- Recreation and games
Attend an upcoming community event and bring resources directly to Compton families!
Register / Sponsor EventFoundation Leadership
President & Founder
Keivon M. Smith
As a Compton native, Keivon utilizes his own journey and lived experience with the juvenile justice system to forge authentic, high-trust connections with the youth we serve.
Chief Operating Officer
Jeanine Arnett
Jeanine brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership and strategic operations experience. She designs community-centric systems to implement, support, and resource Wins & Lessons initiatives.
Community in Action
Volunteer With Us
We are actively looking for volunteers. Volunteer your time and skills to help with events, mentorship, community outreach, fundraising, and administrative support.
Fill Out Volunteer FormPartner With Us
Partner with us to expand community impact! We work with community resource partners, health access partners, corporate sponsors, and local businesses to collaborate on essential services.
Partnership Interest FormSupport Our Mission
Donate to support youth and families. Your contributions go directly toward community health, safety, and opportunity in Compton.
Make a Donation FINANCIAL
Ways to Give Today:
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CashApp Wins And Lessons Smith $Winsandlessons25Preferred
Corporate Sponsorships
Interested in sponsoring a major event, matching donations, or requiring a formal tax-deductible invoice? We would love to discuss a formal partnership.
Request Sponsorship PacketDonate Items IN-KIND
We gladly accept physical goods and professional services to support our block parties and community summits.