FORGING YOUNG LEADERS

Positive youth development programming designed to build, support, and send youth into life in Central Virginia.

 

Today's youth face negative pressures.

As a result, they risk making life-altering decisions that leave a devastating impact on their future:

  • Participating in risk taking behavior—in real life and on social media

  • Disconnecting from familiar peers and adults

  • Trying to fit in with others

  • Lacking necessary knowledge, skills, and opportunities to be life-ready

 

Breaking the cycle of negativity

For more than a decade, IRON Lives has been breaking the cycle of negativity through proven research-based programs that take students from striving to thriving.

 

Social opportunities

Providing positive social opportunities

Fostering relationships

Fostering positive sustained relationships with peers and mentors

 

Recognizing strengths

Recognizing strengths of individual youth

Growth Opportunities

Providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and apply new life-ready skills in authentic settings

What We Do

Mentoring

Community Service Opportunities

Positive Social Opportunities

Positive Youth Development

Character-Centered Athletic Opportunities

Resources for Youth, Families & Schools

Our Model

Build

Mentors and guest speakers from the IRON social immune system build character, life skills, and meaningful positive relationships with students.

Support

Mentors, guest speakers, and volunteers from the IRON social immune system engage youth through workshops designed to practice life-ready skills and social activities to maintain interest in IRON Lives programming.

Send

IRON youth participate in community events and acts of service alongside mentors and community leaders for authentic leadership opportunities.

 

Our Impact

IRON Lives positively impacts local schools, families, and the greater community.

 

15 years

Founded in 2009

21 partners

We partnered with 21 community organizations in 2023

 9 divisions 

We currently have K-12 programming in Amherst, Bedford, and Lynchburg

2,880+ alumni

Since 2009, more than 2,800 IRON Lives alumni are in the ‘social immune system’

 78 mentoring events 

During 2023 we led 78 mentoring events

Testimonials

  • "When I was a high schooler this program made opportunities happen for me. I loved that every type of person was a part of this group when I was in school. Now on staff, I get to make an impact on our amazing students!" 

    Olivia R.
    Alumna

  • "IRON lives has impacted my life by welcoming me into their community and mentoring me to become a respectable young man. They have created opportunities to help me thrive and belong to something greater than myself."

    Mobu N.
    Current Student

  • "This program has brought my girl back to the front of the room! This program gave her, her confidence back, giving her leadership skills she needed to know that she is a smart, well grounded, and rounded girl that can BELIEVE in herself!"

    Amanda B.
    Current Parent

Serving the youth of Central Virginia

Founded in 2009, our vision is for Central Virginia to be a positive community with a skilled workforce full of engaged citizens and thriving families. Our mission is to be a bridge between students and the community by providing positive youth development, committed mentoring, and character-centered athletics.