Stories of Impact
May 23, 2024
At 16, Keishawn was looking for a positive outlet to keep himself out of trouble. He found out about the Second Round after-school boxing and fitness program from a friend and began his journey. He says "It changed the way I look at myself - I saw I was someone of value." “Now a coach in the program, Keishawn is giving back to the next generation.
Read Keishawn's Story HERE
Meet Brittany
Brittany* was recently referred to the Second Round program to give her a positive “outlet” for her emotions and a place where trained staff could work with her to reduce behaviors that were putting her at risk and jeopardizing her success at school and home. Within a week of referral, she attended all the necessary sessions for admission to the program. Since her time with Second Round, Brittany has maintained Honor Roll status and has obtained employment. She participates in Second Round up to four times a week. Brittany acts as a leader in the gym by helping her peers who need additional assistance with boxing skill-building and by helping during her breaks in workouts. Brittany shared, "Second Round has helped me mentally and physically. I can talk to the staff about anything. Second Round has motivated me to do better because the program has shown me that hard work gets rewarded, even for the small things."
Meet Carmela
15-year-old Carmela constantly felt stressed by the pressures of school and life. She was often angry. So she looked for something to do after school that would help her “escape” her worries. Carmela found what she needed at Haven House’s Second Round program. The program uses boxing and fitness to help youth find a positive path. Carmela says the program has helped her become stronger – physically and mentally. “Second Round has made me more confident in myself,” she says. “The workouts showed me that I can accomplish things I didn’t know I could. I am healthier and less stressed … I still get mad, but Second Round helped me learn how to control my anger.”
And Carmela’s future is as bright as the smile she is hiding behind her gloves. “I want to coach others, get good grades, and go to college. And I want to use what I’ve learned in Second Round to help me along the way.”
Watch ABC11’s story on Carmela and Second Round HERE
*At Haven House Services, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. So while their stories are true, client names and images may have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.
