About Smashing Barriers:
WHO WE ARE:
Founded in 2023, Smashing Barriers is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to close the access gap in youth sports and mental health resources. Originally, we started hosting free tennis programs for underserved youth in Portland, OR. We have expanded to provide goal-setting workbooks, donation drives, auction events, and mental health workshops across 8 U.S. states, the UK, and India.
WHAT WE DO:
Tennis Instruction:
- Free tennis clinics offered to students of all ages with free meals provided as well.
Mental Health Resources:
- We provide students with goal-setting workbooks, creating an opportunity for a growth mindset and self-reflection. Additionally, we give presentations on how sports can improve mental health by increasing endorphins to give insight on why we value closing to access gap in youth sports.
Scholarship:
- We have been able to use Smashing Barriers funds to contribute to scholarships, giving students encouragement to pursue further education.
Supplying Equipment:
- Equipment sourcing and redistribution of new and gently used equipment.
The Career Compass podcast:
- The Career Compass is a podcast dedicated to displaying various career options for our students. Through insightful interviews with professionals in different industries, we have created a source of inspiration and motivation. For students, this can be a great way to learn about the journeys of others and their perseverance.
VOLUNTEER:
Are you a high school student looking to earn community service hours while making a meaningful impact? Join us! Volunteers play a crucial role in advancing our mission.
You can get involved by:
- Assisting with tennis clinics
- Participating in mental health presentations
- Helping to organize tournaments
- Supporting donation drives and fundraising events
- Contributing to social media outreach
- Conducting or supporting podcast interviews
If you’re interested, please fill out our volunteer form, and we’ll connect you with your local chapter for an orientation call!
DONATE:
Your tax-deductible contribution helps us achieve our goals and complete our projects. Please consider donating to our cause. Thank you in advance for believing in what we are doing to help children play their way to a better life.