SwingPals

SwingPals is dedicated to empowering at-risk students to deal with adversity and negative emotions in a healthy way. Founded in 2010, SwingPals is a registered 501(c)(3) whose mission is to build a foundation of health and strong character in children facing adversity. To achieve this end, SwingPals uses golf as a medium through which students develop mindfulness and self-regulation skills, empowering them to pursue their passion and fulfill their potential to create positive change in their community. The SwingPals program goals are to: 1. ensure students are successful through high school and have an opportunity to enroll in college 2. impact the life-long health and wellness of our students 3. develop in each student a deep sense of integrity and personal character We achieve these goals by starting in the middle schools, providing a safe space, and fostering a relationship of support and trust between students, teachers, and SwingPals staff. SwingPals partners with the four most underserved middle schools in Durham to introduce students to our unique golf and mindfulness programming by way of a one-week in-school P.E. unit for all 6th graders. Students that show interest during that program are then invited to visit us at Hillandale Golf Course for an introduction to our after-school programs. Following the introductory unit, students are invited to officially join SwingPals, receiving year-round support as we follow enrolled students from middle school through to high school graduation. Swing Pals offers each student: 1. golf coaching twice a week 2. mindfulness, emotional regulation and self-awareness coaching using biofeedback tools 3. the opportunity to be paired with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters 4. transportation from school to the golf course and home 5. help to develop improved health and character through service projects 6. tours of local universities and resources to assist with college