About Making Ways

Your time. Your heart. Their future.

Our vision

Our vision is for Making Ways to grow into a year-round community resource that provides children and families with education, enrichment, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

We hope to develop a permanent facility where children can learn in a safe and welcoming environment, receive academic support, explore their talents, build life skills, and experience opportunities beyond their community.

Over the next 20 years, Making Ways seeks to impact generations of young people by helping them become confident students, responsible leaders, and compassionate citizens who will return and make a difference in their own communities.

Our founders

Making Ways was founded by two hometown women, Julianna Mitchell, MSW, and Rev. Marcharkelti McKenzie. Raised in Maxton, North Carolina, they share a passion for giving back to the community that helped shape their lives. Together, they are investing in children today to make a lasting impact for the next 20 years and beyond.

Rev. Marcharkelti McKenzie

Rev. McKenzie is a pastor, educator, and community leader who is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and discover their purpose. Her leadership and vision continue to create educational opportunities and meaningful experiences for children throughout the community.

Julianna Mitchell, MSW

Julianna is a social worker and community advocate committed to strengthening children and families. Her compassion, professional experience, and dedication help Making Ways provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for every child.

Together, Julianna and Marcharkelti are two girls from Maxton who returned to give back, open doors, and help build a brighter future for the next generation.

Who we are

Making Ways began with a simple vision: to create a safe, loving, and educational place where children in our community could learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences.

Founded by Rev. Marcharkelti McKenzie & Julianna Mitchell, MSW, Making Ways was created to help meet the needs of children and families in Maxton and the surrounding communities. What started as a summer program has grown into a ministry of service, education, enrichment, and hope.

Through academic support, field trips, arts and crafts, recreation, faith-based encouragement, and positive relationships, Making Ways helps children discover that there is always a way forward. We believe every child deserves someone who believes in them, invests in them, and helps them see the possibilities ahead.

At Making Ways, we are not simply providing programs, we are building confidence, creating opportunities, and making ways for the next generation.

What we do

Making Ways provides educational and enrichment programs that support children and families in Maxton, North Carolina, and surrounding counties.

Our programs include summer camp, after-school support, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, STEM activities, recreation, field trips, social-emotional learning, and community outreach.

Through every program, we provide children with a safe and caring environment where they can learn, build confidence, develop positive relationships, and experience new opportunities. Making Ways is committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering the next generation.