SHADOW Inc.

Services Helping Adolescents Develop On-going Willpower. SHADOW is an organization that encourages personal growth and success by providing individual support and resources to youth throughout the Twin Cities. 

Our goal is to provide youth with a strong foundation and support system that will follow individuals throughout their adolescent years. We will be matching SHADOWS (mentors) with students in grades 6-12, in order to provide individual guidance during their middle and high school careers, and even beyond graduation. 

As educators, we decided to begin this journey as we see firsthand the inequity in schools, educational programming, athletic programs and resources available for students in our school districts. We recognize the importance and impact of strengthening the home-school connection; however it has become very regulated in how we are able to go about this work and build community with students and families outside of the school day. SHADOW will work to create intentional connections with youth in the Twin Cities area to provide appropriate services and resources to combat existing systemic barriers, in order to help them achieve greatness.

We believe strongly in the importance of creating meaningful life experiences. Traveling provides opportunities to see different places, gain new perspectives and expand one's thinking. We believe these experiences will help prevent at-risk youth from becoming a product of their environment. As a part of SHADOW, individuals will work with a mentor to create year-long goals, focused on personal growth and success. As goals are met, youth will have the opportunity to travel together, along with SHADOW guides and others who have met their goals. We are partnering with Why Can't I Go, an organization that has successfully taken youth on trips to six different continents.

SHADOW is committed to academic success and social-emotional well-being. We understand the importance of creating strong connections with students and families outside of the school day. We will conduct home visits to identify areas in which our youth may need additional support and provide resources to families to meet these needs. SHADOW will also provide youth with opportunities to learn about career exploration, secondary education and to participate in activities in the community in which they are interested. SHADOW will offer trainings, assistance with resumes and job applications, and serve as an advocate for individuals as they work with their mentor to navigate the workforce and/or post-secondary education. 

YOUR DONATION WILL GO TOWARDS...

• Youth that are interested in participating in sports and athletics outside of school. SHADOW will provide athletic training opportunities as well as scholarships to pay for membership fees, transportation, equipment and clothing. 
• Travel expenses; including purchasing tickets, providing appropriate luggage and clothing, for food and lodging, and other additional identification needs for travel.
• Hiring professional leaders in the areas of career building, education, certificate/trainings programs and academic support.
• Community involvement and participation; SHADOW will provide youth with opportunities to engage in new experiences and areas of interest. (field trips, dining out at restaurants, attending celebrations and performance art shows/exhibits)

We are incredibly passionate about helping youth cultivate meaningful and successful futures. Please help us make this happen!