From their smart phones to their overscheduled calendars, America’s children are subjected to “adultification” earlier with every passing decade. Project Innocence is a local nonprofit organization devoted to countering that trend by teaching children the life skills they need to navigate the world around them.

“Project Innocence was created to preserve the innocence of children,” says founder Lateasha Mays. “We limit the adultification of children by teaching self-mastery skills and exposing children to experiences that allow each stage of psychosocial development to evolve naturally.”

Composed of veteran teachers, professionals, parents and students, Project Innocence provides a holistic approach to child development, Mays says.

“We teach body mastery through fun physical fitness and mindful movement. We also teach mind mastery through meditation and mentoring. We have more than 20 years of experience working with children from a myriad of environments,” she says.

For more information about Project Innocence and its events, call 716.226.1380 or email [email protected].