Upower

Our Mission

Upower builds positive relationships through trauma-informed coaching using movement and play to empower and educate youth who are underserved.

Our Vision

Our vision is to confront systemic and institutional inequalities adversely affecting underserved youth by providing access to the physical, social-emotional, and academic benefits of physical activity and play.

Core Values

Equity

We are committed to actively creating a more just and equitable society where all community members can prosper and reach their fullest potential. We acknowledge and understand our responsibility to confront the institutional and systemic inequities plaguing our young people. 

Power of Play

The United Nations recognizes play as a fundamental human right of every child; it is a critical component for youth development. Play is essential for developing the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being of children.

Community & Collaborations

We partner and collaborate within our region to listen, learn, and take action for our communities’ collective health and well-being. Our partnerships and collaborations are centered on relationship building to achieve our shared goals.

Youth Development

Young people are the future, and we recognize their ability to create their own goals and progress. Through mutual relationships, safe spaces, and leadership opportunities, we strive to support young people on their journeys to self-empowerment.

Relationship Building

Trusted relationships are a pillar of trauma-informed practices and can be the catalyst for growth and authentic self-expression. We believe in the healing power of relationships and prioritize trust and accountability amongst our young people and communities.

Our Program

Our program's focus is to provide our underserved teens with trauma-informed fitness classes that provide both a physical and social-emotional outlet. Coaches work with students to build pro-social connections and develop leadership skills that help them prepare for the future. Our unique approach to fitness and wellness offers teens an age-appropriate, therapeutic physical and emotional outlet. Through structured workouts and team-building games, dedicated coaching, an emphasis on building social confidence, positive identity, discipline, future focus, and leadership skills, we help teens to cope with trauma and build toward their future.

Our goal is to energize our students to make exercise a part of their lives and that they understand the benefits of a healthy body and how it translates to a healthy mind.