Strength, Confidence & Resilience: Thank You to the Christina Mary Hendrie Foundation
At Beat the Streets, we know that the right environment can change a life. Thanks to the generous support of the Christina Mary Hendrie Foundation, we delivered four You Grow Girl programs in two inner-city Toronto schools this year, reaching over 100 girls with meaningful, measurable impact.
These aren’t just fitness sessions. They’re resilience-building experiences for girls who often don’t get the chance to prioritize their wellbeing, voice, or leadership.
About You Grow Girl
Communication Challenge in You Grow Girl
You Grow Girl is a safe and inclusive after-school program for girls aged 13–18 that combines combat sports with social-emotional learning. Through boxing, wrestling, team games, and group discussions, participants develop physical literacy, confidence, emotional resilience, and practical skills that can be applied far beyond the gym.
Led by diverse female coaches and delivered free of charge in trusted school environments, the program offers structure, community, and fun, especially for those navigating tough life situations or limited access to sports and mentorship.
What Girls Gained: By the Numbers and In Their Words
With support from the Christina Mary Hendrie Foundation, we delivered:
4 programs across 2 high-need schools
103 girls served
32 hours of structured physical activity, skill-building, and confidence development
5/5 teacher rating with every educator reporting “extremely engaging” programming
“The best part about this program is how we learned new and cool ways to not give up.”
“Boxing helped me release tension and build confidence.”
“I didn’t think I could do pushups — but I did, and I’m proud of myself.”
“This helped me become my better self.”
“Now I feel empowered and ready to defend myself if I need to.”
Even quieter students found their stride. One girl reflected, “Sharing my story during a group discussion made me nervous, but it also made me realize I’m stronger than I thought.”
“It’s been an honour having this program in our school. Coaches Kenny, Nat, and Paul created a culture of resilience and leadership through martial arts, a discipline not often taught in the HPE curriculum. For our students, many of whom have IEPs, this was an engaging and empowering experience that built confidence and humility. ”
100% of participants said they would recommend the program to a friend, and many asked to stay involved.
Why This Matters: SEL, Mental Health & Movement
Learning to box in You Grow Girl
Girls from low-income communities face complex, layered barriers to well-being, from safety concerns and housing instability to limited access to extracurricular activities or physical education. Many of our participants juggle stress, caregiving roles, and a deep sense of invisibility.
You Grow Girl fills a critical gap. Using sport to teach teamwork, communication, and self-awareness, the program supports girls’ mental health, body confidence, and resilience.
Girls described:
Improved confidence and physical literacy
Decreased stress and stronger emotional regulation
Feeling proud, seen, and supported
The courage to try new things — even when it was hard
“Only the willingness to be uncomfortable and uncoordinated can allow for this progress. These girls chose growth, again and again. ”
A Deep Thank You to the Christina Mary Hendrie Foundation
Your support has made a tangible difference in the lives of girls who need it most. We’re honoured to partner with a foundation committed to strengthening communities and empowering youth through equity and inclusion.
Because of you, 100+ girls stepped into a gym, found their strength, and walked out just a little taller. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.christinamaryhendrietrust.co.uk/
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
