ABOUT US

Established in 2023, Life Strides Foundation aims to highlight the power of reform through sports for those impacted by the juvenile justice system, design and assist with program implementation in juvenile facilities, and raise funds to support these initiatives.

OUR MISSION

To empower youth facing barriers through sports programs, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a positive mindset, whether they are in juvenile facilities or within the broader community.

To fulfill our mission, we implement the following three-part strategy:

  1. Community Awareness:
    Raise awareness and build community support by organizing speaker series, distributing literature, and showcasing films that highlight the transformative power of sports for all youth, particularly those overcoming challenges.

  2. Program Implementation:
    Inspire and support youth, both in facilities and the community, by designing and implementing sports programs that provide mentorship, opportunities for personal growth, and access to necessary resources. This includes collaborating with facilities and community organizations to tailor programs that meet specific needs.

  3. Funding & Resources:
    Utilize funds to provide essential equipment, gear, and resources, ensuring that all purchases are made locally to support the communities served. This includes both juvenile facilities and community-based programs, ensuring that all youth have the tools they need to succeed.

WHAT WE

BELIEVE

Every person has a contribution to make.

If people are seen, heard, and supported, they discover themselves and will want to make a positive impact on society.

Movement is an access to self-discovery, personal growth, connection, and community.

OUR APPROACH

It’s not about the running…

Our program implementation is focused on developing the person as a whole through the lens of a trauma-informed approach.

OUR VISION

We see a world where every youth, whether in juvenile facilities or the broader community, has the opportunity to access sports, discover their inner strength, and be empowered to make positive life choices. By breaking down barriers to participation and fostering a supportive environment, we enable young people to develop resilience, leadership, and a sense of purpose. We envision seamless collaboration among communities, schools, facilities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all youth are given the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, contribute, and lead fulfilling lives.

OUR VALUES

FUN

Sports not only foster physical well-being but also provide an avenue for social interaction, pushing personal limits, and experiencing the thrill of competition. As such, the experience of FUN becomes a path towards genuine confidence, true joy, and a sense of belonging through participation.

“Play is where life lives”

— Dr. George Sheehan

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Integrity and responsibility are the cornerstones of success in any sports program. Through goal setting and committing to processes that lead to long-term achievement, athletes develop a new relationship to their word and what it looks like to be truly accountable. These values then become transformative as youth generalize them to other settings and learn to implement more productive means of conflict resolution. 

“The focus of high-school sports should be on human development, not high achievement. Results are a byproduct, not an end goal.”

— Alexi Pappas

TENACITY

Tenacity is an invaluable quality that lays the foundation for a future generation capable of confronting life's uncertainties. While we empower youth to have the vision to see the possibility of better future, we also instill the tenacity required to remain focused on overcoming adversity and to change a life’s trajectory so that these hopes can be realized.

“I do have reasons for hope: our clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all, the commitment of young people when they’re empowered to take action.”

—Dr. Jane Goodall