Ditch Day began in 2026 when Gvanti Carter, a passionate community advocate and former social worker, recognized a critical gap in how families accessed essential services. Having witnessed firsthand the struggles families faced navigating complex social service systems, Gvanti envisioned a different approach - one that would meet families where they were and make support accessible in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.

Gvanti's innovative idea was simple yet powerful: create a day where children could experience pure joy through engaging activities while their parents and caregivers connected with vital resources all in one place. The concept eliminated common barriers like transportation challenges, childcare needs, and the overwhelming nature of traditional service delivery. The first Ditch Day event served just 15 children, but the impact was immediate and transformative.

Since then, we've grown exponentially to serve over 1,200 children annually, connecting hundreds of families with essential resources ranging from mental health therapy to stable housing assistance. What began as Gvanti's vision for community-centered support has evolved into a comprehensive, family-focused organization that continues to break down barriers and build bridges to hope and healing.