Partner Spotlight: Significant Strikes

Did you know that LIFT interacts with 765 Leelanau County tweens and teens annually? This level of connection puts us at a unique and privileged position to serve as a connector between young people and the incredible array of organizations and opportunities available in our region.

We’re back with another “Partner Spotlight” on the blog, this time showcasing our long-time programming partner, Significant Strikes. 

Field trip days at LIFT are always popular. It’s exciting for our teens to pile into the van and head off campus, to be a guest in someone else’s space and to excitedly wonder what’s in store at their destination as they make their way down the road. 

One destination that's become a favorite is Significant Strikes Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu & MMA. 

Our partnership with Significant Strikes began in the spring of 2023 when gym co-founders Allison Korson and Chris Franks visited our program in Suttons Bay to lead classes for Norsemen LIFT high schoolers. Coach Chris then started regularly visiting our programming spaces in both Glen Lake and Suttons Bay (coming all the way from Traverse!) to offer direct instruction during our middle school afterschool programs. As excitement and engagement grew within our participant base, we transitioned to visiting the gym itself, allowing our students to spend time in a real boxing gym, surrounded by an extensive array of professional equipment as well as athletes and fighters of all ages and skill levels. 

Boxing is a great sport for kids who need a physical and mental outlet, and teaches them valuable life lessons. LIFT bridges the gap for these kids in Leelanau County and their confidence over the years has grown from being nervous about participating, to grabbing gloves as soon as they walk in the door. - Allison Korson, Coach

Every visit gives our teens the opportunity to practice physical strength, coordination, and discipline. Each time they walk through the gym doors, they're encouraged to step outside their comfort zone, try something completely new, and possibly discover a new hobby, all while in a safe space, under professional guidance. 

One of the most special things we've seen reinforced time and time again in our visits to Significant Strikes is that boxing isn't just for one type of kid. It’s for the student-athlete looking to stay active between sports seasons. It’s for the student who is navigating a challenging circumstance at home and needs a healthy outlet. It’s for the student who walks in convinced they can't do a single push-up, only to leave smiling because they just proved to themselves that they're stronger than they ever imagined, and it’s for everyone in between. 

“At Significant Strikes, our LIFT tweens build confidence, develop resilience, and strengthen their mental and emotional well-being, one punch at a time.” -Mrs. Murphy, Glen Lake Program Coordinator

Experiences like these often come with a price tag. Thanks to Significant Strikes, this one does not. Every LIFT teen receives this instruction, develops these skills, and has a blast at no cost to them or their family.

The impact this type of generosity has on LIFT as an organization cannot be overstated. It means that not only can we keep these types of outings on our calendars, but it means the dollars that would have been spent on admission or drop-in fees can instead be invested back into other areas of our programming. It creates a ripple effect that allows us to deepen our impact while simultaneously offering enriching, unique experiences that allow our teens to learn and grow alongside one another in a variety of places and ways.

Are you an individual or business interested in partnering with LIFT to create opportunities for local teens? We'd love to start the conversation. Contact us HERE to learn how you can help build a brighter future for Leelanau County youth.