In the hallways of elementary school, Dani endured hurtful comments from classmates who criticized their voice and expressions. Phrases like “You have a high-pitched voice” and “You scream like a girl” left Dani feeling isolated and feeling shamed for merely being themselves.

Throughout Dani’s education, they yearned for something that could have made all the difference – LGBTQ+ role models among their teachers and administrators. Reflecting on their experience, Dani passionately states, “It would have helped me in my journey to have an LGBTQ+-identifying teacher, starting from elementary all the way to where I am now.”

Generally, there is a large gap for a safe, inclusive, peer-driven community in after-school programming for Queer Gender Non-Conforming (QGNC) youth. So much so that only five of the 5000+ mentoring programs focus on serving this community in California.

In 2021, during the 10th grade, Dani’s life took an unexpected and transformative turn when they became a part of Rainbow Labs. Rainbow Labs is not just an organization; it’s a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, offering a safe space for them to embrace their identities, foster a sense of community and engage in sports without fear of discrimination. The organization provides a safe and inclusive environment after-school, where young people can participate in various activities, from discovering the power of storytelling with the Storytelling Lab, to sports such as soccer dodgeball, softball and basketball.

Dani’s empowering journey serves as a testament to the transformative work of Rainbow Labs, an organization dedicated to providing unwavering support, cultivating a sense of belonging and empowering youth through sports and community building.

Rainbow Labs creates a series of after-school programming (both in-person and online) to mentor and support underserved QGNC youth ages 12-18. The content of the labs are designed by QGNC youth for QGNC youth, led by a team of mentors who are trained in trauma-informed care, cultural competency and youth development. It is a safe space to explore identity, life skills and encourage QGNC youth to participate in real-world applications. The labs use evidence-based research to develop programs in mentoring, youth development, mental health and supportive services, aligning with their theory of change.

Participants of Rainbow Labs also receive workshops to gain knowledge, skills and mindsets to develop healthy identities, manage their emotions and achieve personal and collective goals. With opportunities to learn about the history of queer culture and some of the significant moments and advocates in queer history.

Rainbow Labs is committed to harnessing the power of sports and community to empower LGBTQ+ youth. All of its sessions are led by adult LGBTQ+ coaches and Rainbow Labs staff, ensuring that every participant feels welcome, accepted and supported. Dani’s journey, intricately woven with Rainbow Labs’ mission, exemplifies the organization’s unwavering dedication to uplifting LGBTQ+ youth.

Rainbow Labs is a grantee of Beyond Sport’s Head In The Game program. Young people can explore resources to support their mental wellbeing by clicking here. 

Panagiotis had an undeniable love for running but grappled with anxiety around competition as a child. Running together with his mom, Nicoletta, was always an opportunity for them to bond, and on these occasions, she encouraged him to join a running club; he had one condition – that she would be his coach. Nicoletta accepted the challenge and took Panagiotis and his friends to Prospect Park in Brooklyn for a fun run every Friday, with no emphasis on performance.

Nicoletta soon realized that many young people faced similar hurdles when it came to feeling safe while participating in sports, especially in highly competitive environments. This inspired her to create a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere that focused on team-building through games. The Friday run soon became “Run4Fun,” which later evolved into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping countless youth discover their passion and talent for running. Today, Run4Fun engages with over 2000 young people across New York City each year.

In a city where certain groups grapple with limited access to physical activities, Run4Fun steps in to make a difference. The organization offers a safe haven for young people, with a significant number of girls and young women, and individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Participants often face issues like depression, anxiety, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, with body image struggles being particularly daunting for young girls.

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Run4Fun developed a specialized curriculum for female-identifying youth, available in both in-person and online formats, for use during and after school hours. The program boosts girls’ self-esteem, promotes positive body image and develops skills that foster healthy self-relationships and relationships with others. Sessions include themed discussions, fun running games, team-building activities, cool-down exercises and reflection time. To date, over 500 girls in high schools and elementary schools have benefited from this unique curriculum.

Community Partnerships:

Run4Fun delivers its programs in schools and within communities, thanks to partnerships with schools and community organizations. Collaborations include New Destiny Housing, which supports domestic violence survivors, and A Place for Kids, which serves immigrant and low-income children. By working closely with community partners, including social workers, teachers and site directors, Run4Fun remains dedicated to addressing the specific needs of its participants.

Run4Fun is a grantee of our Head In The Game program. Young people can explore resources to support their mental wellbeing by clicking here. 

Minnesota has a complicated history and identity. While progressive on many fronts, it is also home to some of the deepest disparities in the country, particularly around racial discrimination and inequality, education, health care, employment and poverty. The tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020 made that especially clear.

Recognizing the trauma experienced by many in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (“Twin Cities” metropolitan area) community where the nonprofit is based, Homegrown Lacrosse provides a safe and welcoming space where sport can serve as a release and a means of healing and empowerment for youth of all backgrounds. With the Twin Cities being home to one of the largest and most tribally diverse urban American Indian populations – totaling over 35,000 – Homegrown Lacrosse also recognizes the need for spaces specifically for BIPOC youth. In 2021 the organization added a major program focusing on Indigenous youth: the “Indigenous Lacrosse Alliance.”

The native-led initiative is designed to provide Indigenous youth with opportunities to experience traditional sports and engage in activities centered on holistic wellbeing and traditional culture. Lacrosse has a rich history deeply intertwined with Native American communities. Often referred to as “The Creator’s Game,” the sport holds a spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples. It’s not just about scoring goals but also about maintaining physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

The Alliance understands that nature plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth, and incorporates access to an overnight camp on the Fond du Lac reservation. Youth also have access to other Homegrown Lacrosse programs offering nature hikes and mindfulness exercises including the Homegrown Summer Camp.

Homegrown Lacrosse’s impact extends beyond just one program. Through regional and all-state club team programs such as ‘Minnesota Chill,’ it works to develop each player’s on-field ability and more importantly instill character, confidence and a sense of their place in the world:

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Believing that youth play an integral role in community development and sustainability, Homegrown Lacrosse uses the sport to help young people feel more connected; to each other, to their communities and intergenerationally through elders. Its programs are wide ranging, including everything from in-school physical education programs and inner-city after-school programs to summer camps to a youth yoga teacher certification.

Not only does it provide valuable life and perspective-changing experiences for thousands of young people, it supports over 120 community lacrosse organizations annually from elementary school to post-collegiate.

But Homegrown Lacrosse’s work goes beyond the field. Ultimately, it is building an inclusive community that is inspiring the youth and young adults it serves to excel in life by fostering cultural reconnection and resilience.

Homegrown Lacrosse is a grantee of our Head in the Game program. Young people can explore resources to support their mental wellbeing by clicking here.

15-year-old Adrian struggled with depression after losing his brothers to the criminal justice system, and dealing with the numerous financial and personal challenges that followed. He often struggled to express himself and manage his emotions, which made his school life difficult. When his best friend then died, another layer of grief further intensified his emotional vulnerability. However, it was during this period that Adrian’s case worker introduced him to Chicago Voyagers and his way forward became clearer.

Chicago Voyagers, an Illinois-based youth organization that uses outdoor sports and activities to transform the lives of teens, gave Adrian the opportunity to try sports he’d never been exposed to such as canoeing and rock climbing. These experiences that took place in and around Chicagoland (Chicago metropolitan area) taught Adrian how to work in a team, and more importantly, to ask for help. The support of new friendships has given him space to be vulnerable and to begin healing through feelings of connectedness and trust. The teamwork and leadership skills he has gained have increased his confidence and self-esteem.

Rooted in behavioral health best practices, the organization’s unique annual adventure therapy program empowers 300 underserved teens like Adrian to overcome both personal and academic challenges. Its inspiring experiences give youth a chance to improve their mental and physical well-being and unlock their complete capabilities.

MORE ABOUT CHICAGO VOYAGERS

Chicago Voyagers collaborates with schools and community organizations to assist students at risk of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The majority of program participants come from low-income backgrounds (66%), with a significant representation of Latinx (53%) and African American (23%) youth who have special education needs (53%).

Access to nature and outdoor recreation is limited for most participants due to historical racial discrimination and violence in outdoor spaces. In Illinois, 77% of people of color live in nature-deprived areas (Center for American Progress, 2020).

Chicago Voyagers’ mission is to break down barriers to healing by introducing young people to green spaces and the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures. Its programs aim to prevent or mitigate the impact of ACEs by taking participants into nature, boosting self-esteem and fostering self-sufficiency.

These carefully designed, therapeutically informed programs promote self-empowerment through a wide range of confidence-building activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, biking, hiking, skiing, camping and backpacking. Dedicated program staff provide one-on-one mentoring to cultivate healthy, trusting relationships.

Chicago Voyagers has positively impacted over 5000 young people, with over 90% experiencing increased confidence and empowerment. Participants carry these newfound skills and perspectives back to their classrooms and communities, spreading positive social change and improving their daily lives.

Chicago Voyagers is a grantee of our Head In The Game program. Young people can also explore resources to support their mental wellbeing by clicking here.