Upower builds positive relationships through trauma-informed coaching using movement and play to empower and educate youth who are underserved.
President’s Council On Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition 2024 Community Leadership Award
Folks from Canada, Philadelphia, North Carolina
“Upower has been partnering with the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), Juvenile Division to provide trauma-informed physical fitness classes throughout the school day since January 2018. During that time, the organization has greatly impacted youth wellbeing, cultivating a culture that not only promotes physical health but social and emotional health in every class. When youth leave detention, they are able to take these learned experiences with them, whether it’s a new exercise, or fun game, or acknowledging they should treat themselves with a little more kindness today because it’s a hard day. We have Upower and their coaches to thank for improving our Culture of Health through their enthusiasm, caring for youth, passion and expertise.”
Ashley Mareld, Juvenile Programs Manager DAJD, Juvenile Division
“Upower improves my mental health.”
CHOICE student
“Upower has shown me breathing exercises for coping with stress and they have encouraged me to try new things.”
CHOICE student
“When I first started with Upower I was so nervous because I didn’t know anyone else and I’d never done fitness classes before. But now my Upower classes are the highlight of my week! I’ve made so many friends and you totally forget that you’re exercising.”
ALLISON REYNOLDS, Upower student
“Teamwork in Upower looks like helping other people when they are struggling. Coaching peers into players.”
ECHO GLEN student
Hello Upower Community! With the incredible support of our board, we are thrilled to welcome Rodney Robinson as Upower’s new Executive Director. Rodney brings more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of youth development, housing, and social justice, with leadership roles at well-known organizations throughout Seattle and Tacoma. Most recently, he served as…
Read MoreUpower has proudly partnered with CHOICE Academy for the past eight years, bringing movement, fun, and inspiration to its students and staff. Cherie Clymer, a dedicated teacher at CHOICE, shared her heartfelt reflections on the profound impact this partnership has had on her classroom and beyond. Originally a math and biology teacher, Cherie was asked to…
Read MoreSeattle Seahawks Inspire Youth at Echo Glen Children’s Center in a Powerful Visit with Upower For years, Upower has been on a dedicated mission to connect professional athletes with young people navigating the justice system, knowing the profound impact these encounters can have. Last week, this vision became a reality as the Seattle Seahawks made an…
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