Valley Guardians Foster Youth Program (Swappow+ Professional Development Course)

Valley Guardians Foster Youth Program

Organization: Valley Guardians Inc (in partnership with Swappow+ PLUS Foundation)

Geographic Scope: Phoenix, Arizona

Program Focus: Sponsors the Professional Development Course serving local foster children, teaching them valuable, real-world skills through skateboarding combined with emotional and social growth, life skills, and entrepreneurial training.

Core Philosophy

Fun fuels change. The program believes that helping foster youth make smart choices by focusing on their emotional and social growth through life skills and entrepreneurial training—all while having fun with skateboarding—creates lasting impact.

Program Impact (2024)

• 23 local foster kids served
• 5 returning participants
• 2 new leaders/coaches developed
• 100% program completion rate
• 85% attendance rate
• 4 participants gained full-time employment
• 85% report this is the first long-term multi-step project they have completed
• 845 volunteer hours contributed

Program Components

• Real-world skills training through skateboarding
• Emotional and social growth development
• Life skills coaching
• Entrepreneurial training
• Career exploration and job placement assistance

Target Population

• Local foster children in Phoenix (ages not specified)
• At-risk youth
• Students seeking professional development

Eligibility

• Local foster youth in Phoenix
• Individuals referred through Arizona Department of Child Safety and related agencies

Volunteer Opportunities

• Valley Guardians maintains an expanding volunteer list
• Mentors needed for Swappow+ Foundation
• Volunteer sign-up available

Contact Information

• Address: 14555 N Scottsdale Rd STE 200, Scottsdale AZ 85254
• Website: valleyguardians.com
• Partnership: Swappow+ PLUS Foundation