Street 2 Street

The Street 2 Street team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We’re deeply grateful for your continued partnership in helping kids play, belong, and matter. Together, we’re making a difference—thank you for being part of our mission. #playbelongmatter #everybodyontheline

Thank you to our friend and longtime board member Tony Browne, CIMA? for the support! #everybodyontheline

Would you help these kids? Give now at https://lnkd.in/e2pMcqWF

At Street 2 Street, we believe every kid deserves the opportunity to play the sport they love in a safe, fun, competitive environment. Please watch the video above to see how we make that promise a reality in Paterson, NJ. This season, our promise is no different. Our Fall League in Paterson has reached a milestone with 96 kids registered, but for the first time ever, we have a waiting list of 53 kids eager to be part of the Street 2 Street family. While we strive to provide a safe space for every kid, we need your help TODAY to ensure no kid is left waiting. To accommodate every kid who wants to be part of our program, we rely on the generosity of donors like you. Right now, every donation you make is matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, through the end of November. This means your gift will have double the impact, helping us extend our reach. Please consider making a gift today to support Street 2 Street and help us provide a safe environment for every kid in every neighborhood.?

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Why are we called Street 2 Street? #playbelongmatter #street2street

"They came in from the shadows, where gangs lurk, offering protection and a false promise of belonging, all very alluring to an innocent and frightened child. A way that seems right but ends in destruction and death... Behold, a door."

He cut a lonely figure, sitting there on those concrete steps, all by himself. How could this be? You might ask. In a borough of 1.6 million people, one of the most densely populated places on earth. Lonely? Alfonso’s life was encapsulated within four city blocks. The Manhattanville Houses, a complex of six buildings jammed with 3,000 residents. This was his world, his community, and identity. Yet there he was, a basketball at his feet and a can of soda in his hand. By himself. From a distance he saw a young man ascending the hill. He was coming Alfonso’s way. What was this about? Alfonso had reason to be wary. The realities of his neighborhood were harsh. This was a place of gang rivalries, fiercely protected territories, and ever-present danger. But the young man had a sheaf of fliers in his hand, and he didn’t look the least bit menacing as he joined Alfonso on the concrete steps. “I’m Martín,” he said, “with Street 2 Street. We’re starting a basketball program in Manhattanville. I’m inviting you.” As he learned about Street 2 Street’s program, Alfonso sensed he was being handed not so much a flier as a lifeline. His eagerness was palpable as he asked Martín to confirm not once, not twice, but four times, that the program was indeed happening at the Manhattanville Community Center. It was as if he needed reassurance that this opportunity was real. And with each confirmation, Alfonso's smile expanded. He was more than excited, he was giddy. Alfonso joined Martín and together they went door to door, building to building, passing out fliers, inviting other kids to the basketball program starting that night. And much like Alfonso, other teens could scarcely believe that such a program would be right in their neighborhood, within reach, just for them. And later, as Alfonso walked into the gym with Martín, he saw that it was all very real. And he had received something more than a flier. It was a golden ticket, an opportunity to change his life and rewrite his future. Alfonso would be surrounded by teammates, encouraged by mentors, guided by trained and caring leaders who know God has a hope and a future planned for him. And, never alone.

Street 2 Street helps kids play, belong, and matter through sports, mentoring, and personal development. Help us create leaders who become champions in the game of life- partner with us today. Visit street2street.com/give to donate. #playbelongmatter #everybodyontheline #street2street

A message from our President and Founder, Woody Woodfin- It was a quick bite to eat, lunch at a familiar neighborhood spot, the kind of meal you have on any given day, arranged without much thought. Martin had just taken his seat at a Manhattan eatery. He’s the Youth Director at The Grace Place Church and also the newest member of the Street 2 Street team. The waiter, he noticed, was young, maybe sixteen years old. As lunch progressed, among the chatter of nearby diners and the clatter of dishes, Martin got to know Leo. Where he was from, what school he attends, his likes, and so on. The meal came to an end. Martin folded his napkin and placed it on the table. He thanked Leo for serving him, and invited the young man to Friday night’s youth group meeting. Leo declined the offer in no uncertain terms. “I’m not into religion,” he said matter of factly... click the link below read the rest on our website-