A new mural painted on the West 6th Street side of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation celebrates the longtime Realtor and former tennis pro who founded the nonprofit 26 years ago. Its many elements also recognize the good work of the foundation and the contribution of Realtors to their communities.
The mural was unveiled Thursday, April 13, at the Jacksonville facility. At its heart, it commemorates the award-winning tennis and tutoring program MaliVai Washington founded to create life-changing opportunities for the city’s at-risk youth.
“I love the fact that it kind of represents who we are and an organization,” said Washington, who pointed out the various elements to those in attendance. “And it just beautifies the City of Jacksonville, and specifically this community.”
The mural was painted by Central Florida artist Christian Stanley and was commissioned by the National Association of Realtors. Washington was one of five Realtors from across the nation to win the association’s Good Neighbor Award in 2022.
Winners received a $10,000 grant for their charities. In Washington’s case the local Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) matched the gift for an additional $10,000. Washington said the funds would be used for scholarships. Next month, the foundation will award $75,000 in scholarships to students furthering their education following high school.
“NEFAR is proud to have MaliVai Washington, a longtime member, receive the Good Neighbor Award from the National Association of Realtors,” said NEFAR President Diana Galavis, who was present for the mural unveiling. “MaliVai’s work with youth is an inspiration to us all.”
The foundation works to break the cycle of poverty through a vibrant after-school mentoring program. It serves about 100 children and youth annually, focusing on tutoring, leadership skills, financial training and fitness.
To participate in the programs, the students must attend school, and the foundation has attained a 100% high school graduation rate for teens who have gone through the program. By comparison, the surrounding neighborhoods are seeing a 20% dropout rate.
The kids enter the foundation’s programs as early as kindergarten and receive support through high school. There is a facility just for elementary school kids, who “graduate” to the middle- and high-school facility at 1055 W. 6th St.
Here, neighborhood youth enjoy activities in the game room and music room and cooking in the kitchen. They have a place to do their homework, get tutoring and financial training, gain leadership skills and work on fitness.
“There are a lot of activities for the kids to engage in to help keep them on track,” Washington said.
“We give them some guidance, give them some inspiration and help them realize their potential,” he added.
Among the teens visiting the facility April 13 were Alphonso Pascal and Zion Goni-Denson, both 15.
“I like to come here and do the activities they have here, like music and art & design,” said Alphonso. “I like coming here and chilling, drawing, showing off my art. It’s really nice.”
“It’s great to have a place like this,” said Zion. “They open up a lot of opportunities. I get to do programming. I get to do art and all that. At the same time, I get opportunities for scholarships and things like that.”
He added that it was nice to have a place to connect with other people.
“To me, I don’t really have anywhere else I can go,” said Alphonso. “That’s why I’m here. I’ve been here for like eight years.”
Both young men are planning for the careers they hope to pursue one day. Alphonso wants to go into animation and game design. Zion wants to do coding and programming.
Washington pointed out one of the many successes the foundation has seen. Marc Atkinson, who started in the foundation when he was in the sixth grade and went on to play tennis for Florida A&M, worked at the foundation for 10 years. And just recently, he was named the first coach of Edward Waters University’s new women’s tennis team.
“Realtors are naturally giving in nature and do a lot of good works,” said Galavis. “MaliVai is just one of the many Realtors who give their time and talent to our Northeast Florida community. Realtors are good neighbors.”
Washington has been a Realtor for 27 years.
Want to help or learn more? Go to malwashington.com. You can make a donation there or schedule a tour of the campus.
