Skip to Content

Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs has a first of its’ kind program to help youth

Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs has a first of its' kind program to help youth

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - It's a first-of-its-kind program in the nation — and it's launching here in Colorado Springs.

The Children's Hospital Colorado Colorado Springs is creating a program that aims to mentor kids in the Southeast side about how the game of basketball speaks of personal fortitude, strength, and resilience.

This is is an expansion of the Children's Hospital pilot program Building Resiliency for Healthy Kids. That began in Colorado Springs back in January 2020 at local middle schools.

Founder of the program and former Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs President Margaret Sabin said she understands the importance sports can have in helping teens navigate life problems.

"We have a significant training that we add for these coaches so that they know they are not doing therapy- what they are doing is helping unlock that strength in a child that helps them navigate adversity going forward," said Sabin.

The program aims to keep teens on the right path through one-on-one check-ins.

The program is funded by community donors that love the game of basketball, including a two-year $100,000 donation from former Colorado Springs residents Amy and Craig Smith.

The ultimate goal of the program is to use basketball to build mental strength so that kids positively manage stress.

"My only goal here is to help foster that independence and empower these kiddos to know that whatever has happened in their lives or has been set by inner generational curses-- is not their future," said Clarence K. Bumpas, a health coach for the program.

The first group of participants will start the six-week program on August 3 at Hillside community center.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Jasmine Arenas

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content