Our Community-Based Program
Our community-based program pairs trained mentors with youth to participate in no-cost or low-cost activities centered around sports, movement, and life skills. Mentors pick up their youth and spend 2–3 hours together, two to three times a month. Each outing is designed to build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and promote healthy habits through our MOVE framework.
MOVE
MOVE Activities are experiences with purpose. They’re a fun way to stay active, try new things, and work toward each youth’s personal goals. MOVE stands for:
- Mentorship & Mindset
- Opportunities for Learning & Leadership
- Vital Life Skills
- Engagement in Health & Wellness
Structured activities make mentoring easier, improve program quality, and help strengthen the bond between mentor and youth. MOVE helps keep relationships strong and consistent, leading to better outcomes for the young people we serve.
Thanks to our partnerships with local organizations, most MOVE activities are free of charge. Many of these opportunities are made possible through donated equipment, discounted access to sporting events, and free entry to community activities.
Expectations:
- Youth ages 12–18 are eligible to participate
- Mentors must be at least 21 years old
- Commitment: 2–3 outings per month, 2–3 hours at a time
- Minimum match requirement: One calendar year
*You can help provide these transformative experiences by making a financial or in-kind donation to Using Athletics to Cope.*
Program Initiatives
Play With Purpose
Play With Purpose
Play With Purpose
Using sports and movement as powerful tools to teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Youth participate in structured athletic activities that promote confidence, emotional regulation, and healthy living.
Money Moves
Play With Purpose
Play With Purpose
Introducing financial literacy in a way that’s engaging and relatable for youth. Topics include budgeting, saving, smart spending, and understanding money basics — giving young people skills to navigate adulthood with confidence.
Stronger Together
Play With Purpose
Stronger Together
A substance use prevention and awareness program that helps youth build resilience against peer pressure, understand the effects of substance use, and learn healthy coping strategies.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.