Peaches and Cream Foundation, Inc. was established as a 501 (c) (3) organization in 2007 to address the need founder Ella Butcher saw for a mentoring program for girls ages 11-17 in her community. The name of the organization stems from Ms. Butcher’s Georgian roots, with “cream” referencing a Biblical verse referring to God’s blessings (Job 29). The organization originated in a Philadelphia Housing Development Community Center with five dedicated young ladies as students. Since 2007, Peaches and Cream has developed into an innovative and impactful mentoring program, drawing on the experiences of Ms. Butcher’s youth and the forging of strong community partnerships to bring positive encouragement as well as team-building an self-esteem building activities to Philadelphia’s youth.

To give participants opportunities for self-expression and loving guidance, Peaches and Cream Foundation, Inc. runs an mentoring after-school and dance program. The after-school program has recently extended its focus to address the youths’ demonstrated need to develop skills needed for career development. The organization’s new curriculum teaches entrepreneurship skills, financial literacy, public speaking, personal development, and Ms. Butcher’s newly designed group activities dedicated to “finding your purpose.”

Since 2012, Peaches and Cream Foundation, Inc. also serves as a Community Service Clerical Site for Young Women, enrolled at the Pennsylvania programs for welfare-to-work. The program teaches the participants to become self-sufficient through Ella’s three E’s: Empowerment, Encouragement, and Enhancement!