How IT started
It all began in the hills of Novi Sad, Serbia, where 150 young people and a basketball brought about a new initiative. The U.S. Embassy in Serbia reached out to me to lead a peace camp in partnership with I Came to Play, a program aimed at promoting peace and unity in the former Yugoslavian region.
During my 26-hour journey back to the US, the idea for a non-profit organization dedicated to serving foster youth took shape. Since its establishment in November 2011, our vision has expanded to include a range of programs and initiatives, including sports clinics, trophy recycling, financial literacy workshops, employment training, and more.
I am grateful to the numerous volunteers and donors who have made this journey a reality. With their support, we have been able to impact the lives of thousands of young people who might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Shane Hanson
Founder and C.E.O.
About Us
Freedom Youth Foundation (FYF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of the children that need us the most, particularly those in foster care. Our mission is multifaceted: we provide sports clinics, financial literacy education, mentorship, and employment training to empower these youth in building successful futures.
We recognize the unique power of athletics as a universal language, effective in teaching essential life skills such as accountability, leadership, and the value of having a team. In recent years, sports have emerged as a cost-effective and impactful means in various humanitarian and developmental efforts, known for their ability to engage and inspire people across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
A critical aspect of our program is financial literacy and employment training. As these young individuals approach the crucial transition out of foster care, we equip them with vital knowledge about personal finance, including budgeting, banking, understanding debt and credit cards, and more.
Additionally, our employment alliance offers invaluable support through resume writing assistance and mock interviews, aiming to secure job placements for them.
Our goal is to go beyond preparation—we strive to see our foster youth thrive. At FYF, we are committed to offering hope and opportunity where it’s needed most, through our programs.
We recognize the unique power of athletics as a universal language, effective in teaching essential life skills such as accountability, leadership, and the value of having a team. In recent years, sports have emerged as a cost-effective and impactful means in various humanitarian and developmental efforts, known for their ability to engage and inspire people across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
A critical aspect of our program is financial literacy and employment training. As these young individuals approach the crucial transition out of foster care, we equip them with vital knowledge about personal finance, including budgeting, banking, understanding debt and credit cards, and more.
Additionally, our employment alliance offers invaluable support through resume writing assistance and mock interviews, aiming to secure job placements for them.
Our goal is to go beyond preparation—we strive to see our foster youth thrive. At FYF, we are committed to offering hope and opportunity where it’s needed most, through our programs.
A Look BAck
It's for the kids!
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- Boise, ID
- Ventura, CA
- Orange, CA
- Manila, Philippines
- Tijuana, Mexico
- Sports Clinics
- Financial Literacy
- Mentorship
- Employment Alliance