About Sweating N Spirit
Where Vision Meets Action
Our vision is to build respect, confidence, intellectual and career focus in this next generation, all while being in a positive, productive environment, to replace all the wasted time in the summers where most of the bad influences take effect on our kids.
This isn’t charity work. This is community building. This is showing up consistently for young people who deserve to see what’s possible when someone believes in them and gives them the tools to succeed. We’re not just changing individual lives. We’re proving that with the right approach, the right consistency, and the right heart, we can shift an entire generation.
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Less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But here’s what we know: students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance, and classroom behaviors. Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are directly linked to improved concentration and memory among students. The numbers tell one story. We’re here to change it.
The Problem We’re Solving
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We know we can’t reach every kid. But we’re here for the ones who need us most — the ones often overlooked or falling through the cracks. - At-risk youth who have criminal backgrounds or who have been suspended from normal school functions and assigned to alternative school or GED programs. - Disengaged students who are currently in school but have no motivation to actively interact in class or who genuinely have no interest in the curriculum. - Young people without a bridge to a successful career path. - Trade-focused youth who want to pursue career fields through trade school programs as an alternative to college, including some high school GED programs. These aren’t the kids getting scholarships or recognition. These are the kids everyone else has given up on. But we see their potential, and we know what they’re capable of when someone shows up consistently.
Who We Serve
Meet the Founders
Sweating N Spirit was founded by two local leaders, Michael Blakes and Dennis Jones Jr., who started this work with heart, hustle, and a mission to elevate the standard for how we show up for the next generation. ​Both certified fitness trainers and personal coaches, Dennis and Mike bring years of experience working with young people, but more importantly, they bring authenticity. They understand what it’s like to need someone in your corner.
Michael Blakes
Dennis Jones Jr.
Our Values Drive Everything We Do
Community
We build safe spaces where youth feel seen and supported.
Consistency
We show up every time.
Discipline
We help young people grow through structure and accountability.
Respect
We honor every person’s dignity and potential.
WHERE WE'RE HEADED
Step 1: School Program
Step 2: Teen Summit
Roll the momentum from the in-school program directly into our TEEN SUMMIT summer program. Which will be the stepping stone to creating the generational change that we set out for through career exposure, real-world readiness and hands-on mentorship
Step 3: Community Center
From here, our mission is to utilize the funding we’ve secured through grants, donations, & our personal income to construct our SNS COMMUNITY CENTER. This will serve as a central hub for all of our programs and services.
Step 4: Expand to Multiple Cities
We plan to expand and offer the SNS experience to schools and cities across the USA