About

LISTEN TO The stories of teens

in the ringgold community

VISION

LIFT provides a free drop-in afterschool YOUTH CENTER in Ringgold, Georgia, for 6th-12th grade students, where we foster an environment of inclusion, positive self-worth, and self-discovery within our youth while facilitating inner growth to prepare them for future success.

LIFT's MISSION

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO BE Loved as they are, Inspired to be more, Found in community and Trusted to make a difference.

"The day I was out with LIFT was one of the first times I truly felt as if I wasn't alone in this world."

L oved as they are

by seeing and accepting students without judgement or criticism
by walking alongside them as they become their best, most-healthy selves

"Everyone should be able to have the openness to find themselves, love themselves, [and] accept themselves."

I nspired to be more

by helping students recognize and embrace their gifts and talents
by allowing them an environment to explore, discover and develop

"At school a lot of people are really judging… We need a place to go, where we can be accepted."

F ound in community

by inviting them into an established, safe space for being known and knowing others
by developing layers of support and encouragement across generations

"I never get picked for things, but I could be a really great leader."

T RUSTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by empowering students in leadership positions and service opportunities
by expecting their success and positive impact to ripple through families, schools and neighborhoods

the Need

Catoosa County Student Survey

78 %

Stated that they would be interested in being involved in future programs/events

30 %

Shared that they did not have close friends

69 %

Say they are not usually with other people and 7% admitted they are alone a lot

21 %

Feel they are deeply “known” by others and have no secrets

30 %

Feel they are fully reaching their own potential and are given a chance to excel

in the next 24 hours in the united states

Teens will attempt suicide

Teens will use drugs for the first time

Teen girls will become pregnant

Teens will run away

the window

Suicide, depression, anxiety, isolation and self-destructive behavior are all on the rise. Without support, students can move down a negative spiral as biological changes, negative social interactions, erratic sleep and technology overloads lead to problematic behavior and emotional patterns. This keeps the spiral going in a negative direction. LIFT Youth Center will be a positive anchor in a sea of negatives, an option where they can learn, grow and explore — even fail — all while being supported and encouraged. In this positive spiral, biological changes increase their tendencies to explore healthy versions of risk-taking which leads to taking on responsibility and improving self-confidence as their risk is rewarded. Students have so much potential to go positive OR negative, especially if…

They are isolated or ostracized because they are unique in some way.
They are raised by relatives, in foster care or have experienced some trauma.
They are exposed to poverty, addiction, insecurity and unhealthy choices. BUT they are still GREAT kids! They just need more!