HOOPS Life: Introduction to self-awareness and empowering youth on choice.
United States
Year Founded:
Project Stage:
2011
Organization type:
nonprofit/ngo/citizen sector
Scaling
Budget:
$100,000 - $250,000
Scaling strategies launched within the past 6 months:
Organizational Growth
Trainings, Consultation
- Communications
- Corporate social responsibility
- Employment
- Fundraising
- Globalization
- Networking
- Philanthropy
- Scholarships and grants
- At risk youth
- Behavioral issues
- Boys' development
- Early childhood development
- Education
- Girls' development
- Play
- Youth development
- Youth leadership
- Adult education
- Community development
- Urban development
- Health care
- Health education
- Mental health
- Recreation
- Sports
- Wellness
- Conflict resolution
- Crime prevention
- Intercultural relations
- Intergenerational relations
- Tolerance
- Citizen participation
- Ethics
- Mentorship
- Social work
- Volunteerism
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.
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.
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)