Teen Thingz

The Youth Development Division of Mommy Break Inc.

Teen Thingz is the youth development division of Mommy Break Inc., dedicated to strengthening the well-being of adolescents through programs that foster belonging, confidence, leadership, emotional wellness, and personal growth.

We believe every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected. By creating safe, supportive spaces where teens can discover their strengths and build meaningful relationships, Teen Thingz equips them with the confidence and skills to thrive at school, at home, and within their communities.

As the youth division of Mommy Break Inc., Teen Thingz extends our mission of strengthening families by investing in the social and emotional development of young people.

Our Signature School-Based Program

Different On Purpose

Different On Purpose is Teen Thingz's flagship school-based youth development program for middle school students. It was created to meet the needs of schools serving communities with higher levels of economic need by addressing many of the underlying factors that affect student engagement and school climate.

Rather than focusing on correcting negative behaviors, Different On Purpose helps students discover and develop the strengths that already exist within them.

The program supports students who may be experiencing barriers to engagement, including:

  • Low school connectedness

  • Peer conflict

  • Attendance challenges

  • Difficulty building positive relationships

  • Low confidence and self-esteem

Our Purpose

The goal of Different On Purpose is to indirectly support many of the challenges schools are experiencing by strengthening the conditions that influence student success.

Through intentional relationship-building and personal development, students strengthen:

  • Belonging

  • Engagement

  • Confidence

  • Communication skills

  • Positive peer relationships

  • Leadership

  • Purpose

As students grow in these areas, they become more connected to their school community, contributing to a healthier school climate and creating stronger conditions for learning.

The Different On Purpose Journey

Throughout the school year, students grow through four developmental phases, each centered around one powerful question.

Belonging

Who am I?

Students discover their identity, recognize their strengths, build healthy relationships, and develop a genuine sense of belonging within their school community.

Confidence

What makes me different?

Students learn to embrace their individuality, recognize that their differences are strengths, and develop the confidence to express themselves authentically.

Leadership

How can I use my strengths to help others?

Students learn to use their gifts to encourage others, solve problems, and positively influence their peers and school community.

Purpose

How can I make a difference?

Students reflect on their growth, set meaningful goals, and discover how they can make a positive impact in their schools, families, and communities.

Program Highlights

  • Weekly small-group sessions

  • Monthly hands-on engagement experiences

  • Quarterly enrichment experiences

  • Delivered during the school day

  • Flexible implementation during lunch, advisory, or enrichment periods

  • Designed to strengthen belonging, engagement, confidence, leadership, and positive school culture

The Impact

Different On Purpose is not an academic intervention or a clinical program.

It is a youth development program that indirectly supports student success by strengthening the social and emotional foundations that help young people engage, connect, and thrive in school.

By the end of the journey, students don't simply complete a program—they leave with:

  • A stronger sense of identity

  • Greater confidence

  • Healthier peer relationships

  • Leadership skills

  • A deeper sense of purpose

  • A stronger connection to their school community

Every Student's Journey

Disconnection → Belonging → Confidence → Leadership → Purpose