Who We Are: CST and Our Commitment to Children

CHILDREN STRIVING TOGETHER

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to empower youth in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties through fun, engaging, and impactful programs. From mentorship to enrichment activities, we provide safe spaces for growth, learning, and leadership development. Our goal is to shape tomorrow’s leaders by offering guidance, support, and opportunities for success.

CST members enjoy a dynamic experience that blends fun, skill-building, community, and personal growth. Our programs evolve with local youth needs, offering a safe space to explore talents and potential.

OUR IMPACT

We saw the need for positive outlets for youth in our community and took action. As members of the very community we serve, we have firsthand insight into what our kids need.

Our goal is to show children that struggles don’t define their future - they can overcome adversity with support and effort. CST members gain leadership and social skills, academic growth, and a strong community. Our focus is to equip youth with life skills that shape bright futures.

OUR FUTURE

The future of CST is bright. What started as a mission to impact our community is now growing beyond. Our goal is to establish youth centers worldwide, providing academic support, community-focused activities, and opportunities that enrich young lives everywhere.

OUR STORY

Founder Christi McDaniel knows the hardships of not having the “perfect family.” But despite feeling like something was missing from her life, she always wore a brave face as a reassurance for her younger sisters. This, along with a lifelong desire to help others, brought Christi into the world of volunteering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters L.A., Aviva, and Athens Baptist Church, where she served as a Youth Ministry Director for two years.

In March of 2013, Christi established Children Striving Together, a nonprofit dedicated to offering guidance and support to youth despite challenges at home and in their family lives. CST’s mission is to “bring something special and significant to each and every child's life.” The mantra, Helping Youth Thrive, is upheld every day by CST’s team, now over 150 members-strong.

Today, Christi continues to positively influence others and effortlessly brings forth leaders that devote their lives to helping vulnerable youth succeed. She resides in Compton, CA, working full-time as the CEO of Children Striving Together, and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, eating, and making lasting friendships.

MORE ABOUT OUR FINDER