Welcome to DK Movement Cares, where resilience, transformation, and purpose unite to empower communities. At the heart of our organization are founders Derek Jones and Kelly Houston, two individuals whose journeys of overcoming adversity have inspired a shared mission to create lasting, positive change.

Help Us Build Brighter Futures One Youth at a Time

Imagine being 13 and feeling like no one sees your potential. Too many of our youth are growing up without the guidance, tools, or confidence they need to thrive. Our Mind and Motion Plus Youth Program changes that.

This unique youth empowerment program is built to equip teens with critical life skills and provide the physical outlet they need to grow strong in both mind and body. While many programs focus on either mentorship or physical activity, Mind and Motion Plus is one of the few that combines both creating lasting impact that goes beyond a single session.

Thanks to the belief and support of from the Meriden New Britain Berlin YMCA, this program is set to launch spring 2026 and they we’re able to offer our program inside their facilities, giving participants access to a safe, welcoming space and the bonus of a one-year YMCA youth membership, at no additional cost to them. This collaboration doesn’t change who we are, Mind and Motion Plus is a community-powered program designed and led by us. The YMCA simply saw our vision and chose to stand with us.

But we can’t do it alone.

Just $21 a day helps cover the cost of one youth’s experience in this 10-week transformational program. Your donation provides mentorship, life coaching, physical activity sessions, and access to community resources all wrapped in care, support, and encouragement.

Be the reason a young person believes in themselves.

Donate today and help us move lives forward with purpose.

 Donate today

How Your Contributions Will Help

Your donations will directly fund:

  1. Certified Running Coach: Expert guidance to build discipline, endurance, and confidence.
  2. Running Apparel: Proper gear that keeps them safe and comfortable.
  3. Healthy Snacks: Nutritious fuel to support their physical and mental well-being.
  4. Classroom Materials: Resources for workshops on anxiety management, communication, and goal-setting.
  5. Classroom Instructor: Dedicated support to guide them through personal development and real-life applications.
  6. 1-Year Youth Membership at the YMCA: Continued access to a safe facility and programs beyond the 10-week curriculum.
  7. Graduation Ceremony: A celebration recognizing their personal growth and achievements.

Every dollar you contribute brings us one step closer to empowering the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and resilient young adults.

Donate Now

Message from Steve Markoja, COO of MNBB YMCA

The collaboration between the MNBB YMCA and DK Movement Cares creates a win win scenario for not only both agencies but the communities and youth in which we serve! Our collaboration will increase the potential for youth to succeed. At the Y we believe in strengthening the community.  Together the Y and DK Movement Cares are dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected children, adults and families. In working together we can create a stronger, more supportive network for today’s youth, maximizing their impact as individuals and ensuring that young people receive comprehensive support. Together we can address the critical needs of today’s youth, who may be struggling with anxiety, mental health and those that lack the necessary communication skills to survive in today’s world.  Providing youth with real life experiences, mentors and surrounding them with positive adults and communities we believe we can build the future leaders of America.

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

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    Mind & Motion Plus Youth Program

    Is your teen feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Today’s teens face more pressure than ever and many are quietly struggling with stress, isolation, and a lack of motivation. If you’ve noticed your child withdrawing, glued to their screen, or losing interest in the things they once loved, it may be time for something different.

    That’s where the Mind & Motion Plus Youth Program comes in. This unique experience combines the power of mentorship, life skills coaching, and physical activity to help teens build confidence, develop healthy communication, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. What sets our program apart is its holistic approach addressing both mental health and physical well-being to create lasting change.

    In a world that’s constantly pulling our kids inward, we offer a space that lifts them up and reminds them of their potential. Through movement, meaningful conversations, and real support, your teen will not only grow but thrive.

    Let’s help them rediscover their strength, their voice, and their future.

    Learn more

Latest Media

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    Hello CT with Renee Dinino

    We had the pleasure of joining Renee DiNino to share more about DK Movement Cares, our heart behind the work, and what’s coming next. We highlighted our 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk and our growing youth program that’s all about building confidence, life skills, and community. Be sure to catch the interview and find out how you can support or get involved!

    Watch now
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    FOX 61 with Angelo Bavaro

    DK Movement Cares is launching the Mind & Motion Plus Youth Program a powerful blend of running, mentorship, and life skills education designed to keep teens on the right track. In collaboration with the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA, this program combines fitness and personal growth to help youth build confidence, discipline, and purpose. Aired 5/6/25

    watch now
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    Bristol Press

    Check out our front page article published in the Bristol Press and in the New Britain Herald! Printed 3/4/25

    Article by Brian Johnson

    Read Now

Meet the Founders

  • Derek Jones DK Movement Cares 50 day 50 pound 5K running challenge

    Derek Jones

    Derek Jones’ journey is a powerful story of resilience, purpose, and transformation. Growing up in the challenging neighborhoods of Bristol, he faced early hardships from family struggles to the pressures of gang life. Despite those obstacles, a defining moment came when he discovered his passion for sports and made the decision to rebuild his life from the ground up.

    Today, Derek stands as a community leader, corporate professional, and changemaker. As a top-performing leader at Bank of America, he has honed his expertise in leadership, mentoring, and team development skills that now drive his work beyond the corporate world.

    He is the Co-Founder of DK Movement Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, families, and individuals overcoming adversity through fitness, mentorship, and personal growth. Alongside this work, Derek also co-leads DK Brand Collective, a professional development and consulting firm providing leadership training, team empowerment, and strategic coaching to organizations across Connecticut and beyond.

    Derek’s passion for unity and transformation extends to his media platform, Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast, where he and his wife, Kelly, share authentic conversations and life lessons that inspire others to grow stronger, together.

  • Kelly Houston

    Kelly Houston’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. Raised by her grandparents after her mother’s departure, she faced early experiences of abandonment, instability, and loss. Despite these hardships, Kelly forged a path forward, rising to success in the modeling industry, where she graced magazines, fashion runways, and red-carpet events. Yet behind the spotlight, she battled feelings of grief and unworthiness that shaped her personal transformation.

    Her life began to change when she met Derek, whose shared strength and support helped her embrace healing, self-love, and long-term sobriety. Together, they turned their personal pain into purpose.

    Today, Kelly is a Certified Quality Event Planner, MBA candidate, and Co-Founder of DK Brand Collective, where she leads organizational empowerment, event strategy, and leadership development for nonprofits and corporate teams. She also serves as Co-Founder of DK Movement Cares, channeling her passion for unity and community impact into programs that uplift youth, families, and those in need.

    Kelly’s story stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, love, and faith can transform not just one life, but entire communities.

A Shared Mission

Derek and Kelly’s combined journeys inspire the mission of DK Movement Cares. Through innovative programs, outreach, and their podcast, they aim to empower individuals to overcome adversity, embrace positivity, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Their vision is to inspire others to turn life’s challenges into stepping stones for growth and success, proving that with resilience and support , anything is possible.

Together, Derek and Kelly are building a legacy of hope, empowerment, and transformation, one person, one program, and one community at a time.

Community 5K Sponsors