A Sewickley-based youth program that focuses on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional development just concluded its sixth year.
About 20 participates ages 8-15 from various Western Pennsylvania communities took part in Premier Youth & Community Center’s Mindset of a Leader: Forged in Faith mentorship program.
Created by PYCC founder Jaryd Boyer, the 10-week program took place Wednesday evenings at the Sewickley Community Center, 15 Chadwick St.
The program blends boxing, fitness, mentorship and faith-based teaching to reach youths in a way that connects with their energy and real-life challenges.
Each session included structured workouts, competitive games, group meals and leadership lessons centered on identity, decision-making, discipline and resilience.
Boyer said he was thankful to all who participated, including several who went through the program years ago and came back as youth leaders.
“It’s the most successful program yet,” Boyer said. “We sharpened up our curriculum. The delivery was smooth.”
The Sewickley center went through some renovations including new TV, whiteboards, new desks, lighting and school supplies.
“The community center was outfitted perfectly to run the program,” said Boyer, who also serves as the Sewickley Community Center program director. “I think the kids got more out of this one than any before.”
Mindset of a Leader was created in 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic.
Boyer said many young people were isolated, disconnected and lacking structure during that time.
“Kids didn’t have sports, they didn’t have routines, and a lot of them didn’t have consistent guidance,” Boyer said.
“I knew we needed to create something that gave them structure, discipline and a place to belong.”
This was the second year the program was assisted by Urban Impact Foundation in Pittsburgh’s North Side and 4:12 Ministries, which has connections throughout the Ohio River Valley.
Lorie Shakespeare and her son, Ari, 13, of Beaver Falls, said they got connected to the program through 4:12 Ministries.
Ari loved the fitness activities as well as learning more about how God can impact a person’s life.
“It’s a great opportunity to better your relationship with God,” Ari said. “I know that I’ve come a long way from where I used to be. … It’s a great way to socialize with people.”
Boyer is also the founder of Premier Ministries, a mobile church.
Shakespeare said Boyer and the other mentors really have the children’s best interests at heart.
“I absolutely love the gentlemen that are running the program,” she said. “I think they do a great job of reaching the (youths). … They work with them at their levels.”
Both Ari and his mother hope they can continue the program in the spring and summer months.
Having outdoor activities in warmer weather may also attract new people.
“I think it would bring a lot of light to the program, and a lot of light to Jaryd and his story,” Shakespeare said.
Regional sports ministry leaders and mentors included Mark D’Amico, who runs the baseball program at Urban Impact Foundation, and Matt Diesel, owner of Diesel Sports Complex in Cranberry.
“We’re not just trying to run a good program, we’re building leaders,” Boyer said.
“If we can help a young person develop discipline, confidence and character early, it changes everything about their future.
“This is about the next generation. If we invest in them now, we’re strengthening families, communities, and the future as a whole.”
