Our Story
Refresh Collective is a nonprofit that empowers youth & adults through the power of hip-hop music and screen printing. We believe that students become better citizens and leaders when they gain the confidence to pick up a mic or design their own fashion to express themselves. As our founder Dee Jay Doc says, “When you tell your own story, it gives you ownership over it. It helps us all, especially in overcoming trauma.” Our mission is to cultivate tomorrow's change-makers through self-expression and skill building rooted in hip-hop culture.
Leadership through Music
Refresh Collective started out as a summer camp in Dee Jay Doc’s home studio in Glenville. 13 years later, we have now reached over 10,000 youth and adults through our songwriting and printing programs! We’ve installed recording studios in public schools, youth rehabilitation centers, and hospitals in Cleveland and Cincinnati. During after-school programs and summer camps held at our space, students practice arts mastery and personal development, learning skills such as essay-writing, journalism, photography, video editing, mural creation, and digital software such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Logic. We also emphasize positive values such as healthy living and fresh foods, emotional reflection, and leadership in the community.
Excellence through fashion
We sell our Refresh Collective apparel line—which features art by professional artists alongside student-created designs. Refresh Collective apparel is hand-printed by the Refresh Collective Print + Embroidery shop in Cincinnati, which works with and employs women & teens in recovery from addiction, trafficking, and trauma. Our goal is to refresh the heart of the city, and refresh the hearts and minds of future community leaders, creatives, and change-makers.
make a difference
Want to support Refresh Collective or get involved? We’d love for you to make a donation buy some apparel, print your clothing with us or reach out for a consultation or live performance!
