About Us
Our Story
A.R.C. (Access, Resources & Connections) was born from a simple yet powerful idea: every young person deserves access to opportunities that allow them to heal, grow, and thrive. Founded in Brooklyn, NY A.R.C. bridges the gap between underserved communities and the future by providing culturally responsive programs, mentorship, and holistic development opportunities.
What started as a vision rooted in lived experience has grown into a movement — empowering youth, supporting families, and strengthening schools through innovation, equity, and care.
Mission
To provide access to resources, education, and networks that empower youth and communities to heal, lead, and thrive.
Vision
A future where every young person, regardless of background, has the tools, opportunities, and support to realize their fullest potential and create lasting impact for generations to come.
Our Core Beliefs
Access & Equity
We break down barriers to opportunity.
Holistic Development
We support growth in mind, body, and spirit.
Connection & Community
We build bridges that uplift families and neighborhoods.
Empowerment Through Education
We equip youth with skills for success.
Legacy & Impact
We invest in generational change that lasts beyond today.
Meet the Founder
Shannon Morris is an educator, program designer, and community strategist whose life and work are rooted in resilience and purpose. Growing up with sickle cell disease, Shannon often felt left behind — both academically and emotionally — due to frequent hospitalizations. Those challenges became a catalyst for a lifelong commitment to equity, wellness, and empowerment.
Over the past decade, Shannon has mentored and taught across high schools and middle schools in New York, developing curricula that combine academic enrichment, leadership development, and holistic wellness. Certified in sound therapy and meditation, Shannon brings a unique blend of cultural understanding and healing-centered practice to the work.
Today, as the Founder and Executive Director of A.R.C., Shannon leads with vision and compassion, ensuring that youth have not only access to resources, but also the confidence and community to thrive.