WHO WE ARE
About ITF
ITF (In The Field) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering black and brown high-risk youth who have been heavily exposed to urban gang and gun violence. We provide them with the tools and support they need to heal and thrive. Our innovative approach combines Sports Based Social + Emotional Learning (SEL)/ Mental Health Care, specifically using paintball, with culturally relevant mental health and wellness practices to create lasting positive change in individuals and communities.
Our Approach
Sport-Based Therapy with Paintball
Paintball serves as a powerful tool for therapeutic intervention, allowing youth to engage in exposure therapy within a safe and controlled environment. Through immersive scenarios that simulate real-life street situations, participants can confront and process their past traumas while building resilience and coping skills.
Mental Health Benefits
The benefits of paintball extend beyond physical activity to encompass mental wellness and personal growth. The adrenaline rush and strategic gameplay provide an outlet for stress and aggression, helping participants release pent-up emotions constructively. Teamwork and communication required in paintball matches reinforce the core pillars of leadership: communication, teamwork, resilience, and confidence.
Empowering Coaches and Clinicians
A key component of our program is the involvement of violence interrupters, credible messengers, and big homies who have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by high-risk youth. These individuals serve as coaches and clinicians, offering guidance in paintball skills and invaluable support in navigating mental health challenges. By receiving therapy and counseling from trusted sources within their own communities, youth feel understood and supported, increasing their willingness to engage in the healing process.