Innovative programs can cultivate a stronger, healthier future for our youth.
The Flathead Valley community lacks high-quality development opportunities for young people, especially those from low-income families. Skateboarding fosters invaluable life skills and character traits, including awareness, respect, resilience, innovation, self-esteem, responsibility, and kindness. The transformative power of Serious JuJu lies in these key benefits.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The lack of opportunities for low-income youth—more than 4,700 children and young adults in the Flathead Valley are living in poverty—combined with limited family support, a shortage of free athletic programs, and too few safe spaces where children can be seen, heard, and nourished.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
For the past 19 years, Serious JuJu has served more than 12,000 youth and their families in the community. Recent program expansions now include 5–8 weekly skate sessions, coaching, and meal distribution, with an average attendance of 12–30 participants per session.
Serious JuJu has also created 12 annual partnership opportunities with local nonprofit youth organizations to further its community impact. This expanded presence has led to increased sessions, volunteers, participation, and funding. The organization provides safety equipment and materials, offers biannual skate camps, and participates in Logan Health’s community safety initiatives.
​
MAKING AN IMPACT ​
Feedback from participating families and insights gathered from our skate sessions show:
• 98% of parents felt the skate sessions had a positive impact on their children.
• 95% of participants developed a stronger foundation of respect, perseverance, resilience, self-esteem,
responsibility, and kindness.
• 75% of participating youth reported that the free meals provided at each skate session were the only nutritious
food they received on a given day.
• 3,827 development opportunities were provided to youth and family members.
• 453 volunteer opportunities were fulfilled.
• More than 4,000 meals were provided to the community.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
​
"Serious JuJu has made me a good person by everyone helping others.
Serious JuJu has taught me so much things to be respectful and kind.
Skateboarding has taught me not to give up when you fall.” – Ezekiel, 9 years old
​​
"I am most grateful for the generosity of the people at JuJu
not only do they provide a safe and welcoming environment
for skates of all levels, but they also go above and beyond
to support the community.” – Evan, 13 years old
"Serious JuJu means a lot to me and my commitment to attending has become very
important. It teaches me how to skateboard, it makes me stronger and more healthy- mentally and physically I have also improved on being more polite, patient, following
rules and kinder to one another." – Lincoln, 8 years old
"Randy and all other staff and volunteers are very helpful and understanding with people in the skate park. You also don’t have to worry about being picked on or bullied because Serious JuJu has a no bullying rule. Serious JuJu and skating are a great way to express yourself and get to know more
people. Serious JuJu allows kids to exercise while having fun and having a sense of accomplishment. Serious JuJu has changed my life…" – Sapphire, 13 years old
​
​"This program is not like any other program. When you are having troubles,
there will be someone there to help.” – Ayden, 13 years old
​