Causes: Children & Youth, Recreation & Sports, Sports, Youth Development Programs

Mission: The purpose of Athletics and Beyond is to give at-risk children from economically deprived families access to life skills workshops, camps and clinics, which may not have previously been available because of financial and logistical reasons.

Programs: Girls & Boys Empowerment Workshops. This workshop, begun in 2009, is designed to foster self-esteem in girls & boys eight years of age and older and to impact and influence the decisions that they make. We believe children can be empowered and challenged to make a difference in their own lives if they are afforded an opportunity. The program gathers professionals from various fields who are committed to making a difference and who will provide quality instruction to build self-esteem and self-confidence in a fun and exciting environment. The relaxed setting enables participants to network with program presenter and colleagues, and to explore how successful strategies can be incorporated into addressing the needs of our community. This program is also an opportunity for everyone to share valuable knowledge and help direct our young adults in the right direction. The strength of our community lies in the strength of our children. Approximately 25% of the young adults who attend our workshops are court ordered or part of the juvenile diversion program. For example, Denver County Court Juvenile Diversion program registered and paid a fee for 20 young ladies to attend our Girls Empowerment Workshop in May 2009.