About

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 History

BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. was born out of a profound need to address the physical, mental, and social challenges faced by underserved youth. Founded by Brendan May, a passionate fitness instructor, BFIT began its journey in 2020 amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted significant health disparities within African American communities, prompting the establishment of a fitness program that not only promoted physical health but also aimed at holistic youth development.

 

Our journey began with a small grant from Its4Kids in 2021, which was instrumental in kick-starting our first programs. Over the years, we have forged valuable partnerships with organizations like Walmart in 2022, Charlotte Resiliency, United Way in 2023, and the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, American Diabetes Association, and the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission in 2024. These collaborations have helped us expand our services and reach more children in need.

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 Goals

1. Expand Core Services:  We aim to develop and enhance our core services, including after-school programs, summer camps, and family workshops, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our community.

2. Grow Our Brand:  Our goal is to become a staple of positive impact in the community, recognized for our commitment to youth development.

3. Create Residual Income:  We seek to create sustainable income streams to support our programs, ensuring long-term viability and continued service to our community.

4. Develop Leadership Academy:  We aspire to grow our sports-specific services into a leadership academy that nurtures youth into lifelong leaders and achievers.

5. Establish a Dedicated School**: Ultimately, we envision founding a school centered around the strengths, goals, and needs of its students, integrating rigorous academics with comprehensive physical and social-emotional education.

 

Success Highlights

• 2021:  Launched with a grant from Its4Kids, initiating our first fitness and educational programs.

• 2022: Secured funding from Walmart, enabling us to expand our outreach and services.

• 2023: Partnered with Charlotte Resiliency and United Way, enhancing our after-school and summer camp offerings.

• 2024:  Received significant support from the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, American Diabetes Association, and the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission, allowing us to further solidify our impact. Partnerships

 

Our collaborations with health care professionals, local schools, and community organizations are pivotal to our success. Programs like Strong African American Families (SAAF) and our signature event, "We Run Together," highlight our commitment to fostering community engagement and healthy lifestyles.

 

Community Impact

BFIT Big Dreams has consistently worked to improve the lives of youth in Charlotte, particularly in the 28208 and 28216 zip codes. Our programs address critical needs, from academic support and physical fitness to mental health and social skills development. We have become a beacon of hope and opportunity, transforming lives and building brighter futures for the next generation.

 

Join us in our mission to create lasting change in the lives of youth and their families. Together, we can make a significant impact and help our children dream big and achieve greatness.