STRYV365 working to connect local kids with trusted mentors, coaches

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The role a trusted mentor plays in a child's life can be invaluable, helping teach values and important life lessons. For Milwaukee-based non-profit STRYV365, the mission is to provide a positive influence for as many kids as possible.

"It takes a collective effort to get anything accomplished," said Dr. Brandon Currie, CEO of STRYV365. "We look at wanting quick fixes, we want things to happen overnight, we want things to change right away, and it takes time."

Founded in 2020 in the middle of a global pandemic, the leadership team recognized the importance of providing a safe and positive outlet for kids.

"I know what athletics did for me, I know what competition, competing, having that opportunity to go out and learn and develop in an athletic space did for me," said Dr. Currie. "I want to offer that same opportunity to kids in our program, kids that we work with, kids in the partnerships we have."

Now, in year four, STRYV365 remains dedicated to helping Milwaukee kids overcome trauma through education, sports and other fun activities, while teaching life lessons along the way.

"We're up to 16,000 lives impacted through STRYV programs," said vice president and general counsel Cody Hallowell. "We want to make our programming more accessible, and we do that hearing directly from community members."

Not only does the organization focus on kids, but also the mentors and coaches who have such a big impact on the children each and every day. On Thursday, the organization teamed up with the Milwaukee Bucks to host an event at Fiserv Forum highlighting the importance of health and resilience and the impact it can have for children on and off the court or field.

"We really pride ourselves at STRYV around finding coaches that reflect the community members we serve," Hallowell said. "We like to envision ourselves as being cool, light-hearted, very accessible around a topic that's really heavy in terms of toxic stress and trauma."

This event one of what STRYV hopes will be many aimed at helping the community grow stronger one positive relationship at a time.

"You help one person, that person helps two and now it's just growing, we're growing support we're growing love," Dr. Currie said. "At the end of the day it's about creating fun, engaging opportunities for youth so that they end up having hope."

For more information on STRYV365 and future events, visit the website here.