OUR PURPOSE

At NLA, we recognize the critical role a child's environment plays in their development. Many of our participants face challenges at home which can hinder their cognitive and emotional growth. To address this, NLA provides a safe and supportive afterschool space where youth can escape negative influences and receive the guidance and resources needed to foster positive change.

While our Boxing Program is scheduled Monday-Friday, 5:15 to 7:15pm, many of our youth arrive as early as 3:00pm and do not return home until 9:00pm. They complete homework with onsite tutors, play sports in our Performance Center, converse with faith-based leaders and professional therapists, and engage socially with peers and mentors as they prepare for the 5:15pm roll call.

After practice, youth participate in daily clean-up duties before coming together for a sit-down, family-style dinner. These shared meals provide our youth with the stability and nurturing that is often missing from their homes, helping to build a sense of community, responsibility, and support needed to ensure success inside and outside the boxing ring.