Coming Soon: Fall/Winter 2026Join the Waitlist →
The Safe Hands Initiative Youth Program

Building Safer Communities, One Youth at a Time

Knockout Gun Violence Inc. created the Safe Hands Initiative Youth Program to give Philadelphia youth ages 8–18 a safe place to grow. We use boxing, mentorship, leadership development, and positive enrichment activities to help young people build discipline, confidence, resilience, and safer pathways for their future.

Safe Hands. Strong Minds. Brighter Futures.

Safe Hands Initiative coaches, mentors, and staff holding their appreciation awards

Coming Soon – Fall/Winter 2026

Waitlist registration is open for Ages 8–12 and Ages 13–18

Official start date TBA in October 2026. Free to participate.

Apply for Fall/Winter

Our Mission

The Safe Hands Initiative Youth Program empowers young people to make positive choices, build strong relationships, and create safer communities. We believe every child deserves access to mentors who care, safe spaces to grow, and the skills to succeed.

Through the discipline of boxing, the power of mentorship, leadership development, and enriching experiences like field trips and community events, we are raising the next generation of leaders who will knock out gun violence in their neighborhoods.

“Together, we can Knockout Gun Violence.”

Safe Hands Initiative youth holding their certificates of completion and Leader of the Class awards

What We Offer

🥊

Boxing & Fitness Training

Professional boxing instruction and fitness programming that builds discipline, confidence, and physical strength. All skill levels welcome.

📖

Academic Tutoring

One-on-one and group tutoring sessions to support academic success. We help youth stay on track in school and develop study skills.

🌟

Mentorship Program

Pairing youth with positive adult role models who provide guidance, encouragement, and real-life wisdom for navigating challenges.

🎯

Leadership Development

Workshops and activities designed to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.

🕊️

Conflict Resolution

Teaching youth to resolve disagreements peacefully, manage anger, and make responsible choices in difficult situations.

❤️

Community Service

Engaging youth in giving back to their neighborhoods through volunteer projects, clean-ups, and community events.

🚌

Field Trips & Enrichment

Outings and positive activities that expose youth to new places, new ideas, and new possibilities beyond the gym.

🎉

Family & Community Events

Free seasonal events like Trunk or Treat, our Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and the Holiday Hope Giveaway that bring families together.

Our Core Values

BE THE HAND

Reach out and take action for those in need.

BE THE HELP

Provide resources, support, and opportunities.

BE THE HOPE

Inspire belief in a safer, brighter future.

BE THE CHANGE

Lead by example and transform communities.

See Us In Action

Boxing instruction, mentorship, teamwork, leadership, and community — this is what Safe Hands looks like.

Youth celebrating their certificates of completion with coaches and mentors
Leadership & achievement
Youth and coaches at the gym with boxing gloves
Boxing instruction
Coaches and mentors holding appreciation awards
Mentorship
Youth and mentors training together outdoors at the park
Teamwork & outings
Families, youth, and coaches at the parent orientation
Families & community
Youth group posing in front of a community mural
Positive community engagement
Youth boxing champion celebrating with family
Confidence & discipline

Join the Movement

The Fall/Winter 2026 Safe Hands Initiative Youth Program is free for youth ages 8–12 and 13–18. The official start date is TBA in October 2026 — waitlist registration is open now.

Join the Fall/Winter Waitlist