About Feet First Foundation
Our Mission
At Feet First Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering youth by providing mentorship and support while actively fighting absenteeism in schools. Our innovative program is designed to foster personal and emotional growth by building resilience, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence through our SEL Curriculum. We aim to equip youth with coping skills to navigate challenges in their personal and academic lives while offering guidance to help them set and achieve academic and career-oriented goals.
We are committed to addressing barriers to success faced by underserved and at-risk youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
About Feet First Foundation
Our Story
Founded in 2017 in the East Bay area of San Francisco, Feet First Foundation began as a lifeline for trafficked youth—offering structure, mentorship, and a path to healing through the discipline of boxing. As we witnessed the transformative power of our approach, it became clear that the need for support reached far beyond this initial group. We also saw a critical gap in youth mental health support on school campuses, where many students were struggling with engagement, focus, and emotional well-being.
In response, we developed an alternative approach—bringing boxing-based training, mentorship, and social-emotional learning directly into schools. This hands-on, movement-driven method helps students build confidence, discipline, and resilience while fostering a sense of belonging.
Today, Feet First has grown into a powerful force for change, reaching multiple regions and establishing a strong presence throughout California. Every day, we work to equip young people with the skills and strength they need—both mentally and physically—to overcome challenges and thrive.
Our Vision
We are driven to create a future where every young person—no matter their background—has the resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence to overcome challenges and thrive in every area of life. We envision a world where physical and mental well-being form the foundation of student success, building healthier communities and brighter futures for all. To make this vision a reality, we are working toward opening dedicated Feet First Centers, ensuring our program is accessible beyond school hours so every student has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.
Interested in Feet First Gear?
Check out our clothing line, all proceeds go to the expansion of our program!