Who We Are

At Margie’s Kids Kare, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly embrace the diversity of our community and are committed to creating a welcoming environment where every child and family feels valued, respected, and supported.  We recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of each child, understanding that they bring their own set of needs and experiences to our program. We embrace diversity and strive to create a safe, supportive space where everyone can thrive. 

Our inclusive approach means that all children, regardless of their background or individual needs, are welcomed with open arms. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Community

"You are a lily in the valley, bright as the morning star."

Margie’s Day is a celebration of the life, love, and lasting legacy of Rev. Margie N. Jefferson (March 23, 1927 – 2013), the beloved grandmother of the Founder of Margie’s Kids Kare and the heart behind our mission.

Born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, to Mabel N. Jefferson and William V. Jefferson, Rev. Jefferson lived a life anchored in faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. She was a devoted servant of God and community, faithfully serving Greater First Baptist Church Orlando for more than 50 years, including 14 years as an Associate Pastor.

Rev. Jefferson believed deeply in growth, learning, and purpose at every stage of life. She earned her General Education Diploma in 1997 and later completed her Associate’s degree in Theology—modeling resilience, determination, and lifelong learning for generations to come.

Above all, Margie was a nurturer, protector, and matriarch. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved—especially children. Her home, her ministry, and her heart were always open, and her presence created a sense of safety, belonging, and warmth.

Margie’s Kids Kare was founded in her honor and named after her as a living tribute to the values she embodied. Margie’s Day reflects her belief in the power of community, the importance of pouring into children and families, and the responsibility we share to care for one another. Through choice-based programming, inclusive practices, and community-centered initiatives, we carry forward her legacy of love in action.

Margie’s Day is more than a remembrance—it is a celebration of legacy, a gathering of community, and a commitment to continue the work she lived every day: serving with faith, leading with love, and creating space for every child to thrive.

Why We Do This Work

At Margie’s Kids Kare, our mission is rooted in love, inclusion, and community. This afterschool program focuses on Performing Arts, Social-Emotional Development, and wellness for all children, with a special emphasis on those identified as students with disabilities. Affectionately named after my grandmother, Margie N. Jefferson, Margie’s Kids Kare serves as a safe haven for children and families—just as my grandmother did for me and my family. Since its inception, we have had the privilege of providing care to nearly 200 children in the District of Columbia, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Margie’s Kids Kare is not just a program; it is a living tribute to my grandmother’s legacy of love, care, and community. It represents a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or background, has a place where they are seen, valued, and supported. Our work is especially focused on serving historically underserved youth and uplifting families by creating equitable opportunities for growth and enrichment.

Through a diverse range of activities—from promoting wellness through yoga to sparking creativity with arts and crafts—we ensure that every child can find something they truly enjoy and benefit from. Our emphasis on choice-based, age-appropriate programming empowers children to explore at their own pace and according to their interests, fostering confidence and self-expression.

Beyond the activities, we understand that supporting children means supporting families. By fostering strong connections and partnering with parents, we create a network of care that extends beyond our doors. As we continue this journey, we carry forward the heart of Margie’s legacy—building a community where every child and family feels a sense of belonging, and celebrated.

Our Identity

Our Mission

To create a safe, supportive, and empowering space where children can explore, grow, and thrive through engaging enrichment opportunities.

At our center, our mission is to foster a nurturing and secure environment that propels children to thrive. We dedicate ourselves to eliminating barriers to learning, whether they stem from learning disabilities or a lack of confidence, by working hand-in-hand with schools and families. Our commitment is to empower each student to reach their full potential and to cultivate their social and emotional skills through effective, measurable methods that resonate both at home and in the classroom. With a robust focus on performing arts, wellness, and enrichment activities, we strive to develop each student’s unique strengths and instill a lifelong sense of confidence.

The team photo
kids having fun

Our Vision

Envision a world where every child’s potential is unlocked and nurtured through the arts...
kids having fun

At MKK, we aim to create a nurturing environment where children can flourish and thrive! Our primary objective is to cater to each child’s unique learning needs and emotional development while unleashing their inner creativity through performing arts.

Our four guiding principles form the foundation of our programs, which offer endless opportunities for students to showcase their strengths and talents. Join us at MKK, and let’s help your child reach their full potential!

Smiling MKK camper

Our Team

Steaven R. Hamlin, Jr.

Founder and CEO

Steaven Hamlin, Founder of Margie’s Kids Kare (MKK), brings over 23 years of experience in education and a profound commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all children. His vision for MKK stems from his belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

MKK holds a special place in Steaven’s heart as it is named in honor of his grandmother, Margie N. Jefferson. The program provides a safe, inclusive environment for students with varying needs. By integrating evidence-based intervention strategies with engaging enrichment clubs, MKK empowers all students, including those with disabilities, to explore their interests in areas like martial arts, vocal performance, photography, art, yoga, wellness, and dance.

Steaven’s dedication to fostering growth, inclusion, and opportunity ensures that every child who joins MKK feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

Meet Our Difference Makers

At the heart of Margie’s Kids Kare are our dedicated staff, affectionately known as our Difference Makers. They bring passion, creativity, and care to every session, making our choice-based activities engaging and impactful for every child. Our team leads a diverse range of programs including Performing Arts, Yoga and Wellness, Social-Emotional Development, Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Martial Arts, Fashion & Modeling, Beauty & Confidence, Cheerleading, Gardening, Puppet Theatre, and Youth Media. By offering such a wide selection, our Difference Makers ensure that each child can explore their interests, discover new talents, and grow in a supportive environment. They don’t just facilitate activities—they create experiences that inspire confidence, foster self-expression, and build lasting connections with the kids and their families.