Today, Life Pieces To Masterpieces was thrilled to join with Building Bridges Across the River to announce the following:
Life Pieces To Masterpieces Joins Town Hall Education and Recreation Campus (THEARC) as 15th Nonprofit Partner
Building Bridges Across the River Expands Its Mission-Driven Ecosystem in Ward 8
Washington, D.C. December 16, 2025 — Building Bridges Across the River (Building Bridges) is proud to announce that Life Pieces To Masterpieces (LPTM) will join the Town Hall Education Arts and Recreation Campus (THEARC) as its 15th nonprofit partner, strengthening one of the nation’s most robust nonprofit ecosystems dedicated to helping children, youth, and families thrive east of the Anacostia River.
For 20 years, THEARC has served as a nationally recognized model of collaboration — where education, health care, arts, recreation, and social services come together under one roof to provide seamless, wrap-around support for the Ward 7 and Ward 8 communities. The addition of Life Pieces To Masterpieces further expands that impact, bringing its celebrated arts-based youth development program to even more Black and Brown young men in Ward 8.
Founded in 1996, Life Pieces To Masterpieces engages boys and young men ages 3–25 through artistic expression, academic support, character development, and community-centered mentorship. Their unique “4 C’s” curriculum — Connect, Create, Contribute, and Celebrate — has transformed thousands of lives across the District and will now have a home at THEARC. This move marks the establishment of LPTM’s Global Center for Shared Humanity which will include their signature after-school programming, parent and family support, and their professional workshops that create environments of trust, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose for organizations around the world.
“The strength of THEARC has always come from the power of partnership — 15 mission-driven organizations working side-by-side with one shared purpose: to expand opportunity for our community’s children and families,” said Scott Kratz, President & CEO of Building Bridges Across the River. “Life Pieces To Masterpieces is an extraordinary organization whose work helps young Black men discover their brilliance and build pathways to success. Their presence at THEARC will deepen the support system available to Ward 8 youth and ensure that even more young people can learn, lead, and thrive. We are honored to welcome them to THEARC.”
“We are thrilled to become part of THEARC, our nation’s largest hub of arts, education, wellness, collaboration and shared community impact” added Life Pieces To Masterpieces Co-Founder and Executive Director Mary Brown. “As we remain firmly committed to continue serving our youth and families in Ward 7, this expansion to Ward 8 offers Life Pieces To Masterpieces an unprecedented opportunity for growth and deepened impact East of the Anacostia River.”
With Life Pieces To Masterpieces’ arrival, Building Bridges continues to expand its comprehensive place-based model focused on health, creativity, economic opportunity, and youth development. This partnership will allow THEARC families to access a wider range of programming on a single, walkable campus — strengthening community connections and ensuring that every young person has access to the tools, mentors, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. Life Pieces To Masterpieces will begin summer programming on THEARC’s campus on June 29, 2026.
About Building Bridges Across the River
Building Bridges Across the River provides residents east of the Anacostia River access to the best-in-class facilities, programs, and partnerships. Through THEARC, the 11th Street Bridge Park, Skyland Workforce Center, Building Bridges Farms and the Theater program, Building Bridges works to increase health, economic prosperity, and overall well-being for families in Ward 7 and Ward 8.
About Life Pieces To Masterpieces
Life Pieces To Masterpieces is a nationally recognized nonprofit that creates a safe space for creativity, understanding, emotional growth and leadership development. For Black boys and young men in Washington DC’s Ward 7 and 8, this happens year-round through free out of-school-time programming. For adults, this happens through parent and family support for participants, and through its Color Me Community professional workshops for corporations, nonprofits, teams, and public agencies.
Media Contact
Sarah Shindler
Building Bridges Across the River
sshindler@thearcdc.org
202.889.5901 x231
Jennifer Barnes Eliot
Life Pieces To Masterpieces
jeliot@lifepieces.org
202.399.7703
