Project FLEX is a research and outreach program at Northern Illinois University. Our mission is to use the power of sport to successfully reintegrate incarcerated youth into society in Northern Illinois. It’s more than a fitness program—it’s a life-changing initiative that empowers young people to reach their full potential.
One goal of adding pickleball (that is played outside the detention center) is to give these young people a glimpse of what a happy place with supportive people is through a new activity they didn’t think was for them. From day one, Tuesdays play time has been full of playful banter, celebrations, songs from our pickleball playlist, and a lot of growth you can’t hear. The teens are speaking of stress relief, teamwork, leadership, and courage to try new things as they learn from this sport.
We are watching these young people create a community and belong to something they recognize is bigger than themselves. Our target is to raise $3,000 to support our ability to give youth who are incarcerated the tools and support they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
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