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Hoops 4 Justice’s (H4J) mission is to help incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and underserved youth of color imagine and achieve positive and productive futures.

Hoops 4 Justice is a non-profit organization that provides life skills training to incarcerated youth through sports and a credible messenger model. The organization was founded by Rosalino Pavia, Ronnie Villeda, Ilana Parach, and Sho Wantanabe, who are dedicated to empowering and uplifting young people impacted by the criminal justice system.

Our long-term goals

Goals: To reduce recidivism rates among our participants

Impact: To expand our program to reach more young people

Future: To advocate for juvenile justice reform

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Phase One: In Facility Program for Incarcerated Youth

Gain self-esteem and compassion for themselves and others
Build skills in communication, teamwork, and emotional self-management
Learn meditation and holistic health practices
Understand and overcome childhood trauma
Envision and create goals for their future beyond incarceration
Learn to advocate for themselves

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Phase Two: Re-Entry Program

Build networks and mentorships that prepare them for higher education and successful careers
Build positive relationships with their families and communities to ensure they have the support needed to achieve their goals
Provide tutoring and job internships for high school and college students
Provide mental health support

Incarcerated youth participate in our high engagement program, delivered in two-hour sessions four days per week. During each session, youth participate in one hour of basketball and one hour of life skills development and guided conversation. Research shows that engaging in basketball significantly increases cognitive brain functions, which can heighten alertness, attention, and motivation. It also fosters openness, communication, team building, and positive engagement with peers and mentors.

Our long-term goals

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Our Leaders

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