History
LDK Parenting Foundation, Inc. is a Florida tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit. It was founded on June 25, 2024 by Barbara Bennett. Barbara had been an elementary school teacher and started a carpool for working parents who couldn’t get their kids to karate class because they were at work. Over time, this grew into an actual program. Ms. Barbara, as the kids call her, helped with homework, offered snacks and supervised their playtime before and after karate class until their parents came to pick them up. By 2024, it became evident that the “program” was here to stay and could actually stand alone separately from the karate school. LDK Parenting Foundation, Inc. still supports children who need a ride to karate class but also offers another agenda: connecting children with nature. Through the after school program and summer camps, children are offered an opportunity to play outside, to experiment with gardening and to learn about the natural world we live in.
LDK Parenting Foundation, Inc. use two busses to pick up children from five local schools, providing services for as many as 30 young people, but we hope to serve more. As a nonprofit, we keep our programs affordable and are able to work with families in the program who may need temporary help such as continued assistance and classes during income loss, divorce situations, and other family emergencies. As we grow, we plan to implement volunteer programs to assist students with homework help, educational activities, nature study and summer camps. We have primarily worked with Black Belt teenagers in our community but would also like to include student teachers, and retired individuals to spend time with the children. If you are interested in mentoring, contact us!
Leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of tomorrow.
Significant Accomplishments
The “MAAP” program (Martial Arts Apprenticeship Program) has been successfully run out of Lion’s Den Karate since 2015.
We are a proud sponsor of the Lion’s Den traveling competition team.
Providing transportation services allows children of working parents to attend after school activities that they might otherwise be unable to attend. Homework help early in the afternoon is beneficial for learning and allows working parents to spend evening quality time with their child in other ways.
Awards And Recognition
Barbara Bennett, the founder and President of LDK Parenting Foundation, Inc. has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and taught public school in Georgia. She has worked with children as an educator, karate teacher, and parent for more than thirty years.
Additionally, Barbara holds an Associate of the Arts degree with a major in life sciences. She has completed courses in “Redirecting Children’s Behavior” and “Dynamic Teaching.” She has a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and a certificate in Tai Chi Chuan. Barbara is a nature lover, frequently posting bird watching lists on Ebird for St. Johns County, Florida and has had several nature articles published locally.
Meet our team
Jose L. Leno
Martial Arts Partner
Barbara Bennett
Founder, President,
Board of Directors
Jennifer Exline
Secretary
Board of Directors
Marc Trollinger
Treasurer
Board of Directors
We’ve worked with some of the best companies.
FAQs
Are you considering a career working with children or interested in mentoring? Volunteer!
- Practice your lesson plans.
- Read aloud to the class or a child.
- Lead an art project.
