SPRING 2021 NEWSLETTER

4/15/2021

HHF IS GROWING

As we launch our 2021 programs season, we are transitioning to a new community outreach model of our Legacy Program, designed to be responsive to emerging community needs and expand HHF’s reach and impact in the skate community via informal skate sessions, one-on-one support, work and life skills workshops, mutual aid initiatives, and outreach events.

We have made a major investment in HHF infrastructure by adding 6 new Coach/Mentors and a Community Outreach Coordinator via continued essential support from Up2Us Sports’ AmeriCorps Coach and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) programs, as well as a Social Worker and new Director of Programs. We are extremely proud that each of these positions is held by a passionate NYC skateboarder.

HHF PROGRAMS LEADERSHIP TEAM:

HHF COACH/MENTORS:

HHF Coach/Mentors are credible messengers from within the skateboarding community who have deep lived experience with the challenges our youth face. Under the supervision of our Social Worker, they act as skatepark stewards, provide case management, mentorship, and psychosocial support; connect youth/young adult skateboarders with resources and opportunities; and recruit them into more structured workforce readiness and youth development programs. They receive training in ethics, mental health first aid/crisis intervention, trauma-informed coaching, suicide prevention, peer counseling, case management, restorative justice practices, and bystander intervention.

HHF COLLABORATIONS

A sincere thank you to everyone that helped us celebrate Harold’s 47th Birthday on April 2nd by purchasing a limited-edition "Collector's Deck" designed by Seth Neary featuring classic Harold photos by Gunars Elmuts. The decks sold out in just 5-hours with all proceeds supporting HHF programming.

A handful of Element x HHF “Legends Never Die” decks are still available exclusively through Element’s website. This charitable deck is part of a larger year-long Element partnership that will result in a series of collaborative HHF initiatives supporting NYC youth by leveraging skateboarding, art, sustainability, and professional development.

Couch Curbs, run by Willy Santos, recently launched an artist series collaboration with skate icon Chris “Dune” Pastras. The anti-racism themed collection is available on the Couch Curbs website and includes a t-shirt, dad hat, and screen-printed red curb pillow for your couch. A portion of proceeds will be donated to HHF.

USA Skateboarding has teamed up with artist Henry Jones on a limited-edition product capsule in an effort to fight racism. Available for purchase here, the collection features a deck, hat, t-shirt, griptape, stickers, and mug. 10% of net proceeds will be donated to HHF. Plus, all orders support Team USA on the road to Tokyo 2021.

We have a lot planned over the coming months. Without the continued support of the HHF community, none of it would be possible. THANK YOU for your support!

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