Fighting Chance
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Fighting Chance
Amount Awarded: $54,262 | Completed October 2023
Over the past year, the group mentoring program at Fighting Chance has seen significant growth in participation and program offerings. Attendance has steadily increased, starting with only 4-5 youth per session and growing to an average of 20-22 attendees each week. To further enrich the experience and offer more academic support, new components such as tutoring and STEM activities were introduced.
The program, which includes boxing, fitness, and nutrition components, meets twice weekly. In October 2023, intense, tutoring and STEM activities were integrated into the program to enhance the academic skills of the participants alongside the existing physical activities. This well-rounded approach not only supports physical health through regular activities but also encourages healthy eating habits, demonstrating the program’s comprehensive impact on the youth it serves.
“This partnership has enabled us to significantly enhance our offerings, incorporating critical academic support elements like tutoring and STEM activities alongside our core components of boxing, fitness, and nutrition. Thanks to this collaboration, we have seen remarkable growth in participation—from an initial handful to over twenty regular attendees each week. More importantly, the impact on our youth has been profound: 85% of our participants now engage in an hour of physical activity daily, and 80% have adopted healthier eating habits. These successes underscore the transformative power of strategic funding in grassroots, community-based initiatives.”
Eric Groves | Executive Director
Since June 2023, the Will County ARPA Grant has been instrumental in providing seed funding for the group mentoring program. This financial support has enabled Fighting Chance to maintain their operations, cover essential utilities, and offer stipends to their committed volunteers. Additionally, it has allowed Fighting Chance to host celebratory events, host field trips, broaden their programs, forge new partnerships, and generate new revenue.