Upower

Get ready to dodge! Upower’s 9th Annual Dodge for a Cause is almost here! The countdown is officially on—our biggest fundraiser of the year is just?TWO MONTHS?away on?March 12th, 2025,?from?6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s time to rally your dodgeball dream team! Join us for an unforgettable night of?ducking,?dipping,?diving, and?dodging, complete with food, drinks, and the chance to win the?2025 Dodge for a Cause Trophy. ?? Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun while making a real difference for underserved youth in King County. Let’s dodge for a cause! Feel free to contact Noel at?[email protected]?if you have any questions. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/eZb-g8zE

We are just ONE MONTH away from Dodge for Cause on March 12th, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grab your team of 8-10 players and get ready for a night of ducking, dipping, diving, and dodging. This year, we’ve got food from Mr. Gyros and beer and wine ready for you! Will your team take home the 2025 Dodge for a Cause Trophy? Dodge for a Cause is our annual fundraiser that helps support our mission of providing underserved youth in King County, WA, with access to trauma-informed fitness and wellness classes that foster positive youth development. Our classes extend beyond just fitness–they become transformative spaces where students connect with supportive adult mentors, step outside of their comfort zones, and learn essential life skills like confidence, leadership, and self-efficacy through movement-based activities. Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun while making a real difference for underserved youth in King County. Let’s Dodge for a Cause! Register your team today: https://lnkd.in/eZb-g8zE Feel free to contact Noel at [email protected] if you have any questions. #upower #fundraiser #community #dodgeforacause #dodgeball #nonprofitorganization #youthinsports #playequity #mentor #coach #listen #learn #inspire

We were honored to have UW IAL M.Ed. alumni Ray Roberts, M.Ed. from Special Olympics and Olivia Mae Ventura Ventura from Upower speak in our undergraduate 'Developing Youth through Sport & Physical Activity' course. Thank you, Ray and Olivia, for taking the time to speak with our students!

2024, what a year! ?????? This year, we witnessed the healing power of movement and play—supporting youth as they build confidence, resilience, and connection. From empowering young people to mentoring future leaders, YOU made it all possible! Because of your support, we’ve created safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thank you for being part of the Upower family. 2025, we’re coming for you! #upower #youthinsports #playequity #community #learn #listen #inspire

Looking for a fun night out with friends or a great team-building activity? Join us on March 12, 2025, for our annual fundraiser, where you can dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge again—all for a good cause! Gather your team of 8-10 players or cheer from the sidelines as teams battle it out. Enjoy food, beer, and wine—all included! All proceeds support youth in our region who lack access to movement and play in their schools and communities. Will your team claim the trophy this year?? Don't miss this chance to have a blast while making a real impact in King County. Let’s dodge for a cause together! For more information, feel free to reach out to Noel at [email protected]. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZb-g8zE #upower #seattleevents #fundraiser #community #nonprofit #philanthropy #events

Upower has proudly partnered with CHOICE Academy for eight years, bringing movement, fun, and inspiration to students and staff. Cherie Clymer, a teacher at CHOICE, reflected on the positive impact of the partnership. Originally a math and biology teacher, Cherie was asked to teach physical education, a challenge she embraced. "Allowing Upower to be here gives me more time to prepare lessons or give attention to students who need extra support," she shared, balancing her teaching responsibilities while ensuring students receive quality physical education. Cherie described Upower sessions as fun and engaging, with games like the cone game standing out as a favorite. "It's great for engaging reluctant students," she explained."By the end, we're all laughing, and everyone is ready to try something more rigorous." This approach helps everyone step out of their comfort zones and enjoy physical activity. When asked about her favorite coach, Cherie said, "You're all my favorites! Thank you for sharing your lives, time, expertise, love for young people, and joy in physical activity with me." She appreciated how Upower coaches create a supportive environment. "They change the dynamic in the classroom from one adult managing 30 energetic young people to three adults listening, caring, and helping students. That ratio change is invaluable—thank you!" Cherie also gained professional growth from the partnership, particularly in trauma-informed teaching. "Much of what I've learned about trauma-informed teaching practices has come from watching Upower coaches in action," she shared. “Their ability to meet students where they are—while encouraging growth—has left a lasting impression. Teenagers can be self-conscious about their bodies or skills, but Upower coaches always invite participation at each student's level. They make space for every need without excusing anyone from the hard work of training." Beyond the classroom, Upower has provided support, from donating culturally respectful athletic gear to offering summer camps and internships. "They've given my students opportunities they would never receive in regular P.E. classes," Cherie reflected. The coaches' encouragement also uplifted her during tough times. "Their unconditional positive regard extends to me, offering hope and encouragement when I feel discouraged by the lack of resources like a gym or track." After eight years, the partnership between Upower and CHOICE Academy continues to thrive, grounded in inclusion, resilience, and joy. Cherie summed it up: "Upower coaches build community and help us all—students and staff alike—push ourselves while having fun. Thank you for being part of our lives."

Upower's Train the Trainer on February 3, 2025, will be offered in person AND virtually! Click the links below to register. In-person registration: https://lnkd.in/dtURDCW3 Virtual registration: https://lnkd.in/drMHcjEi Upower is offering a FREE training to build trauma-informed educators throughout King County, WA. ?Educators will learn the science of trauma and how it manifests in our bodies, minds, and lives. ?Educators will learn trauma-informed practices and how to implement them when working with youth. ?Finally, Educators will learn how movement and play facilitate emotional regulation and mental skill building. This is a 2-hour In-Person & Virtual training for up to 12 attendees in-person and 20 attendees virtually.

Raise your hand if you love noodle hockey! ?? #playequity #kingcountywa #youthfirst #mentor #community #coach

We are so grateful for our partnership with Echo Glen.

Last week, Seahawks Players spent their day off visiting young people at Echo Glen. Thanks to UPower and the Seahawks for making this unforgettable day happen! Read more about the day at https://lnkd.in/gR3ZAmMT #seahawks #EchoGlen #waDCYF https://lnkd.in/ghFFhqbw