ABOUT US

 

In July 2007, JD and Nikki Carabin opened their garage to skaters, launching what would become the very first Friday Night Skate.

It started small—JD would visit local skate parks with nothing but a cooler of water and a deep love for kids that no one else seemed to notice. Soon, JD and Nikki began inviting skaters to their garage every Friday night. Before long, nearly 20 kids were showing up weekly—many arriving right after school and staying until midnight.

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No one was calling to check where they were. No one was asking if they’d eaten.
 

JD shared, “My wife and I sold anything of value to fund the ministry. Eventually, we sold our home as well.” In the years that followed, a dozen young people found shelter with the Carabin's—escaping neglect, emotional or physical harm—even substance abuse.
 

Over time, Serious JuJu has had its ups and downs. Yet, in its most difficult seasons, community members, local businesses, and faith organizations showed up with love and support. We are deeply grateful. We are blessed.

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"I'd searched everywhere for this thing called love. I went through life seeking something that would be the ultimate."  -Christian Hosoi

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Today, Serious JuJu meets in a new space at the Gateway Mall. We are excited to welcome skaters to our new space. 

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Our Vision:  To celebrate and strengthen community through skateboarding.

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Our Mission:  Serious JuJu is an indoor skatepark that creates a safe and healthy space.  We see, feed, and strengthen youth and families through the actions of God's love.

 

For hundreds of youth, Serious JuJu is the only safe space they can connect. At Serious JuJu community gathers. Serious JuJu is a dynamic and diverse community drawn together by our love for skaters and our desire to see, feed, and strengthen the Flathead Valley.  Every day of the week, kids show up at our skateparks to exercise, care for their mental health, emotional health, and often with JuJu, their spiritual health too.  

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​Skaters are amazing athletes who have much to teach. Skateboarding is a way of life.  The community struggles to make enough space for people of all different skills and abilities, to honor boundaries, and to build each other up. In fact, when individuals join Serious JuJu they often discover their lives enriched and their spirits restored through personal relationships with our skaters. Serious JuJu is committed to sharing and celebrating life together and seeing and feeding those not often seen or valued in our communities.  

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"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."  -Nelson Mandela

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Serious JuJu is a community non-profit organization: serving skaters and so many more! Serious JuJu's community has grown to include so many more than our 1000 skaters and their families. Volunteers, community leaders, donors and partners, moms, dads, grandmas, and step-parents also consider Serious JuJu part of their family.

Together, we are a better tribe for the kids and skaters of our community. This wider community makes us better.

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