IT'S BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL
Bringing Communities, Families, and Players Together through the Power of Sports
OFFICAL PARTNER OF NXTPRO/PUMA BASKETBALL
OUR IMPACT
The ISSUEs
Bullying & Inclusion
Per the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, 20% of school-age children will experience being bullied in school or online during their childhood. In addition, bullying is the most common barrier to peer acceptance and peer-to-peer relationship issues.
Despite socioeconomic status, family culture, or home environment, all children want to be included. Bystanders should feel uncomfortable in their complicity. We must change our village’s culture and create a culture of inclusion, acceptance, and social responsibility.
Violence
According to the CDC Wonder Injury and Mortality database, from 2018 to 2021, the rate of deaths due to firearms increased by 53% among male youth, but remained lower and stable among female youth. In 2020, guns became the leading cause of death amongst youth ages nineteen and below. In addition, in 2020, death by firearm accounted for 47% of suicide deaths in children. In 2021, seven children died each day due to firearm-associated violence.
Amid social unrest and the influx of violence across the nation, all children have the potential to be adversely affected by turbulent times. Children need a safe place to play, learn, and grow.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness is critical for children, adolescents, and young adults, making the topic a pressing concern for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike. Research indicates that approximately one in five young people experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, with half of all mental health disorders beginning by age 14. Studies have shown that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Sadly, younger generations often struggle with asking for help and understanding their emotions, which could debilitate their well-being. Therefore, fostering mental health awareness in younger people is crucial, as it could equip them with valuable skills to navigate the complexities of their mental health, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.
As such, parents and caregivers should prioritize starting conversations about mental health and seeking resources to support young people's well-being, such as therapy or support groups. By boosting young people's emotional intelligence and enabling them to foster resilient mindsets, we can effectively shape a future where mental health awareness is the norm. Thus, building a supportive environment that reduces stigma and empowers young people to live their happiest, healthiest lives.
Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is an incredibly complex and troubling issue that continues to be a challenge both in the United States and globally. In America alone, over 500,000 people experience homelessness on any given night, with youth and young adults being particularly vulnerable. Homelessness among youth is often driven by a multitude of factors, including economic disparities, a lack of supportive family or community networks, mental health challenges, and inadequate access to educational opportunities.
Perhaps the most significant factor contributing to youth homelessness is economic inequality. Young people who grow up in poverty are significantly more likely to experience homelessness, as they lack the resources and support systems necessary to weather financial and social storms. For example, if a family experiences a sudden job loss or eviction, they may not have alternative supportive networks to turn to, leaving the youth without a stable and secure living situation.
Moreover, homeless youth are often subjected to violence, exploitation, and robbery, increasing their risk of physical and emotional trauma, drug abuse, and other negative outcomes. This population also tends to have limited access to healthcare, leading to untreated chronic conditions, which can exacerbate physical and mental health issues and lead to further complications.
Furthermore, youth homelessness carries significant long-term consequences. Homeless individuals are at increased risk of low academic achievement, lower employment prospects, and long-term dependence on social services, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Without intervention and support, homeless youth may be unable to complete their education, secure stable employment, or attain financial independence.
These issues have become even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing inequalities and creating additional barriers to accessing support systems. The NOVA Bulls Organization recognizes the importance of developing a comprehensive, holistic approach to support youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, promoting personal development, education, mentorship, financial literacy, mental health, and social responsibility, all of which are essential to effectively address this pressing issue.
An Inclusive Culture Fueling Social Responsibility
Participation in a team sport can supersede cultural and socioeconomic barriers that would otherwise impede inclusion and peer relationships. Team sports provide additional benefits, including allowing children to make lasting friendships, develop social skills, learn coping mechanisms, build confidence, encourage self-discipline, foster a feeling of community and learn to respect their teammates and coaches despite individual differences. All these characteristics help improve the positive trajectory of a child’s childhood.
Environmental stimuli play a part in the type of individual we become. Therefore, everyone should acknowledge the impact that their own actions may have on others.
As a community, we should work jointly to embody social responsibility in order to provide a safe, positive, inclusive and enriching environment for children. It takes a village to empower future generations to evolve, unite, and achieve the unimaginable.
HOW WE HELP
Our Semi-Pro Players Act As Mentors To Youth
The Northern Virginia (NOVA) Bulls Non-Profit Organization was founded in 2022 by Alora Henry. The NOVA Bulls Organization is committed to providing a safe environment for youth, adolescents, and young adults to come together and learn life skills through sports. As an organization, we recognize the importance of combating pressing issues like anti-violence, anti-drugs, and antibullying. In order to achieve this, we offer regular mentorship sessions where our players receive guidance from experts in the community.
Through our weekly discussions on topics, we aim to equip our players with the knowledge and tools necessary to make positive choices and break away from negative patterns of behavior. In addition, we encourage social responsibility and mental health awareness as we believe these are essential elements for holistic development.
Our mentorship program also includes talks on nutrition, financial literacy, first-time home buying, resume writing, interview simulations, entrepreneurship, the importance of education, community enrichment, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and self-respect. These topics are tailored to a variety of age groups, ensuring that younger members receive the appropriate guidance.
The NOVA Bulls Organization places great emphasis on inclusive practices, recognizing that some individuals may struggle with inclusion due to a lack of resources or guidance. Through our sports programs, we offer a platform for young people from diverse backgrounds to come together, learn about one another, and foster strong relationships. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment that supports and empowers all members, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic background.
In addition to our mentorship program, we also aim to expand our reach in the community by establishing a community center that will serve as a safe haven for children to learn life skills and engage in sports activities. We believe that this center will provide a nurturing environment for young people while creating opportunities for them to thrive and make positive contributions to society. Ultimately, we believe that by providing holistic mentorship and fostering inclusivity, we can help young individuals become a positive impact in our communities.
Our organization strongly believes that it takes a village to raise a child; everyone must do their part.
Questions? Interested in learning more?
NOVA Bulls Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
