HOOPS Life

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HOOPS Life: Introduction to self-awareness and empowering youth on choice.

United States
Year Founded:
2011
Organization type: 
nonprofit/ngo/citizen sector
Project Stage:
Scaling
Budget: 
$100,000 - $250,000
Website:
http://www.hoopspatburke.com
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Scaling strategies launched within the past 6 months:
Organizational Growth
Trainings, Consultation
Project Summary
Elevator Pitch

Concise Summary: Help us pitch this solution! Provide an explanation within 3-4 short sentences.

What are the challenges and obstacles children face in life today at home and school? Where can parents, as well as communities, turn to for assistance and support on children achieving more in life? Imagine a youth program that bridges the gap between life and sports. Results, 100% of the time.

WHAT IF - Inspiration: Write one sentence that describes a way that your project dares to ask, "WHAT IF?"

What if a children could receive the understanding and application of leadership and life skills early in life? What if parents partnered with former NBA players in assisting children to gain self awareness, effective communication, emotional management?
About Project

Problem: What problem is this project trying to address?

The needs youth have in achieving and overcoming challenges in life, are identified when it is too late. Leadership influence, or the lack of leadership, plays a huge role in developing mindset with in individuals, especially children. The HOOPS Life program is an introduction for youth in discovering "HOW" to approach life, as an investment into their lifetime.

Solution: What is the proposed solution? Please be specific!

The ability to provide youth enrollment into our curriculum based program is generating transformation in the community. Parents are gaining a new found understanding to agreements, integrity, and respect with the child. Youth are being equipped with critical thinking, confidence, effective communication, and teamwork. Our HOOPS Life program has proven to have 100% results. We have scaled the organization to produce an impact across the globe! The root problem - is leadership influence providing a difference in strengthening, transforming, changing mindset.
Impact: How does it Work

Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.

Each child entering HOOPS Life is unique, and they all face challenges. (behavior, focus, confidence, low self-esteem, respect,etc...) HOOPS Life is a 12 week curriculum based program. The children gain an understanding each week on a specific theme with in their work book in a class room setting. Each session ends with a team building exercise on the basketball court. The conversations and court exercise provide a distinction for individuals to gain a reference of how they "manage" themselves. The opportunity to gain self-awareness provides a unique relationship between youth and our HOOPS Life coaches. The program has generated an impact at home and school. Grades change, responsibilities, respect, relationships with parents.

Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.

HOOPS Life has has had an impact on over 300 children in our community. Like already stated, children are all unique, the success has come in many forms. We partner with parents on building the metrics of our partnership. Children are overcoming challenges and identifying they are limitless in life. We are gaining the attention of other communities, schools, and larger entities. The future of HOOPS Life is to build strong partnerships in launching the HOOPS Life program in other communities around the globe.

Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?

Currently we are focused on a video broadcast with in the class room portion of HOOPS Life. Former NBA players have shared an interest in being a part of the impact we are making. Our 12 week programs will create a large platform for former NBA players to share their skills set and values to youth.
Sustainability

Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?

Do not know of any other organization providing the same service.
Team

Founding Story

My name is Pat Burke. As a youth, I gained the experience of a Coach who changed my life, but more importantly my mindset. I experienced a huge growth spurt as a child. My first basketball coach provided autocratic leadership that left me humiliated, and wanting to quit. An introduction to a new coach, who provided an approach unlike most, changed my path. I retired from professional basketball 6 years ago. A friend asked me if I ever trained children. That one question started me on a path to research and educate myself on "HOW" to impact the lives of youth, with a focus on LIFE first. This journey lead me to build the HOOPS Life organization.

Team

It all started in my back yard in 2010. It was my wife and myself. Today, we have 5 employees. Myself as President Debbie Stivender - Executive Officer (Former County commisioner, County school board, County court house) Kristina Maziarski - Administrator (Former Bank Branch Officer, HOOPS Life MOM) Toni Francis - HOOPS Life Coach (Former College player, Hertz Rent a car agent) Vance Roberts - HOOPS Life Coach (Youth ministry)