The Garden's mission is to promote learning, spiritual growth, imagination and self-confidence in young children of all races, including children with language delays or other learning delays - in order to prepare them for entry into public school, or placement on a whole-or part-scholarship basis in independent schools. The Garden provides at-risk children with a safe haven in which to learn and grow while helping them cope with the stresses caused by the poverty, oppression, violence and drug use that exists in the Harlem community. It also assists parents and caregivers in improving family conditions that might adversely affect children's academic performance and social skills-building.