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, 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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    3rd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K Run/Walk

    We are excited to announce that we are gearing up for our 3rd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K Run/Walk!

    Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
    Location: Bridge Community Church, 43 School Street, Bristol, CT 06010.
    Check-in & Registration: 7:00 to 8:30 AM
    Race Time: 9:00 AM.

    Meet Allison Demers from the River 105.9, our dynamic Emcee for the 3rd Annual 5K! With over 30 years in broadcasting and a passion for community service, she brings energy, expertise, and a knack for engaging audiences. We're thrilled to have her lead the event!

    Registration Open Now!

    Learn More
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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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    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
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    Red Podcast with Michelle Barone

    Join hosts Ash and Michelle as they interview Kelly and Derek from DK Movement Cares. In this inspiring episode, they share how overcoming adversity and addiction led them to create a unique 10-week program that empowers youth through education and physical activity. Tune in for an uplifting discussion on personal growth and community support. Aired 1/29/25

    watch now
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    Christine's Corner

    Watch Derek and Kelly Christine's Corner Variety Show on Nutmeg TV. They share why they started their youth program. Aired 12/18/24

    Watch now
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    IHeart Radio with Allie Demers

    Derek and Kelly sit down with Allison Demers telling their story and why they started DK Movement Cares. Aired 11/24/2024

    Community Access Podcast
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    OPEN with Doctor Bob Lee

    We join Dr. Bob Lee on OPEN on the Bronx Network discussing our story, youth program and more. Aired 11/18/24

    Bronx Network
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    NBC CT with Amanda Pitts

    Check out our interview on NBC Connecticut with Amanda Pitts as we discuss our upcoming Mind and Motion Plus youth program to help combat anxiety and help build communication and social skills.

    NBC CT

Meet the Founders

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

    Derek Jones

    Derek’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. Growing up in the challenging neighborhoods of Bristol, he faced early hardships—from family struggles to the pressures of gang life. Despite these obstacles, a turning point came when he embraced his love for sports and later committed to redefining his life at his lowest moments. Today, Derek is not only a top-performing leader at Bank of America but also the heart behind DK Movement Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens and former addicts through fitness, personal growth, and community outreach. His inspiring story and vision for change continue to uplift communities nationwide through his engaging podcast, Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast.

  • Kelly Houston

    Kelly’s journey is a story of resilience and transformation. Raised by her grandparents after her mother left, she faced abandonment and instability early on, along with the heavy burdens of addiction and loss. Despite these challenges—and even while achieving success in the modeling industry—Kelly grappled with deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and grief. Her life took a positive turn when she met Derek, whose support and shared experiences empowered her to embrace self-love and sobriety. Today, Kelly channels her passion into community service as a Childcare Director and active advisory board member, helping drive change through DK Movement and DK Movement Cares. Her story is a powerful reminder of how perseverance, love, and acceptance can transform lives.

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