Mission
The concept of working with troubled youth in a boxing format was initiated by Richard Lopez, coach and founder. In 1991, Mr. Lopez began working with neighborhood youth on one punching bag out of his garage. The program expanded dramatically by 1996 and led to incorporation as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 1997.Our mission is to provide an outlet for young people who tend to avoid team sports and have shown little self-confidence and academic success. These are youth who because of little parental supervision, limited positive role models, failure in school and lack of a positive self-image are drawn to gang affiliation. Double Punches Boxing Club uses a boxing program, combined with academic tutoring, to help youth develop a sense of self-worth, experience greater success in school and develop physical fitness skills. The program stresses fundamentals, discipline and skills rather than brute force and toughness.
The Area Served
The program focuses attention on the city of Santa Rosa, which has had dramatic increase in gang activity in recent years. The youth served are primarily Hispanic (75-80%) although the program dose not discriminate in any way and will not with any youth in need. Sonoma County is one which is underserved, has few programs for youth and has a propensity for drugs, gangs and violence. The efforts of Double Punches is to target disadvantaged and troubled youth between 10-18 years or age.
Our Program
Double Punches Boxing Club combines physical and academic activity while motivating and rewarding academic success. Our current gym has a Boxing Ring, Puching bags, Speed bags, Double end bags, Weight equipment, Bag Gloves, Sparring Gloves, and a study area. If a young person is enrolled in the Double Punches Academic Center and/or doing reasonably well in school (C’s or better in all subjects) they may be eligible for an incentive discount. For a young person in need, tutorial services are provided. Such tutorial services cover academic subject matter as well as homework assistance.
Our Goals
Our goals are to reduce the dropout rate, the level of gang involvement and to increase academic success as indicated by increased grade point averages and graduation from high school. An overriding concern is to increase the self-image and sense of youth in the area and ensure that by the time the youth reaches 18, he/she has had academic success, developed measurable physical fitness skills and has begun to show positive behavior within the community.
