Champions of Change Boxing Program Opens in Roanoke, Providing Safe Space for Youth
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ROANOKE, Va. – On July 31, the Roanoke Police Department’s RESET team launched the Champions of Change Boxing Program, a new initiative designed to offer a constructive outlet for young people in the city. The program aims to address rising concerns about youth violence by providing a safe and supportive environment for physical activity and mentorship.
A Years-Long Vision Realized
The project, several years in growth, stemmed from a conversation between RESET Coordinator Lloyd Merchant and a local boxing coach. “He had an idea about, let’s go in and see if we can have a space for boxing,” Merchant explained. The program began modestly, utilizing space at the YMCA one night a week before expanding to its own dedicated facility.
Addressing a Critical Need
The Champions of Change program directly responds to the increasing rates of youth involvement in risky behaviors. Participants like Keith Moore emphasize the program’s role in steering young people away from negative influences. “we help kids to stay out of bad situations, getting to gang related stuff or doing bad things in the street,” Moore said. “So if you have an activity to do, keep your mind in the right place.”
Did You Know? Studies show that participation in structured after-school activities, like boxing, can significantly reduce juvenile delinquency rates [[1]]?
Mentorship as a Cornerstone
Beyond boxing training, the program prioritizes mentorship. Mentors, like Everett Sawin, recognize the importance of individual support in addressing the root causes of violence. “It looks like with all the gun violence in Roanoke City, we need an answer, and all people can do is one kid at a time,” Sawin stated. ”I don’t have some big solution, but I know if you go out there and you help all that you have the influence over, and you can do everything in your power to help it, I think we’ll all be in a better position.”
the mentors frequently enough serve as positive role models, offering guidance and support that extends beyond the gym. Moore described the mentors as “like a father figure in some sort of way, teaching me what to do right, what not to do.”
Building a Community
The program fosters a sense of community and belonging, recognizing that many young people lack consistent support systems. “We try to be a family here,” Merchant said. ”A lot of these kids, they just need people to talk to. A lot of them, they’re on their phones all the time, they got nobody to talk to, or they got problems going on, they don’t want to share with anybody.”
Pro Tip: Creating safe spaces for youth is a key component of community-based violence prevention strategies, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [[2]].
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Merchant envisions expanding the program’s reach to include weekend sessions. “We’re hoping to grow so we can open up more, to include maybe the weekend or Saturday, as we want to invite those individuals that might potentially be out here challenged with risk factors that they deal with on a daily, weekly basis, and we want them to come here to a safe space.”
| Program Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 31, 2025 |
| Sponsoring Institution | Roanoke Police Department’s RESET Team |
| Primary Goal | Provide a safe space and mentorship for youth and young adults |
| Initial Location | Dedicated facility in Roanoke, VA (formerly YMCA) |
What impact do you think community-led initiatives like this can have on reducing youth violence? How can cities better support programs that offer positive alternatives for young people?
Evergreen Context: The Rise of Youth Violence Prevention Programs
the Champions of Change Boxing Program is part of a growing national trend toward community-based violence prevention initiatives.These programs recognize that addressing youth violence requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement, focusing on providing opportunities, mentorship, and support systems for at-risk individuals. The success of these programs often hinges on strong partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and local leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Champions of Change Boxing program? It’s a new initiative in Roanoke, Virginia, offering boxing training and mentorship to youth and young adults.
- Who is eligible to participate in the program? The program is open to youth and young adults in the Roanoke area.
- What are the goals of the program? The primary goals are to provide a safe space, reduce youth violence, and offer positive mentorship.
- How did the Champions of Change program get started? It began as an idea from a local boxing coach and evolved from a small YMCA program.
- What are the future plans for the program? Organizers hope to expand the program to include weekend sessions.
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