Goals For Life
Goals For Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, is an educational youth development program that, in coordination with local school districts, teaches potentially at-risk youth the skills and strategies that are necessary for success in life. Goals For Life has a team of former professional football players who have been carefully trained to deliver a detailed curriculum in public schools.
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Goals For Life sends the former athletes into schools to facilitate goal setting workshops with students who demonstrate maladaptive behaviors, as well as any students wishing to learn success principles. Drawing on their personal experiences, the athletes speak of the enthusiasm, drive and determination that were primary factors in achieving their goals. GFL athlete mentors teach students that what applies to the world of sports, also applies to education and to life. The students discover that qualities such as integrity, preparation, high self-esteem, perseverance and the confidence to succeed are a winning combination in all fields and endeavors.
For over 35 years, GFL has utilized the talents of former professional athletes to deliver a goal-oriented curriculum structured to motivate students and ensure that they understand, embrace and practice success principles.
History
Goals For Life was founded by Reggie Berry, former NFL player with the San Diego Chargers and a graduate of California State University Long Beach. After finishing his football career, Reggie became involved in a program focused on teaching goal setting to migrant students; however he wanted a program that would be open to all students. Reggie's goal was to create an organization that could involve retired NFL alumni into public schools to mentor at-risk youth for a school year. In 1989 he founded the nonprofit Goals For Life Foundation, Inc.
Reggie believes that the formula for winning in sports also applies to the world of education, business and life. The mentors teach the kids that a goal is something you want for your future; then they help the students develop their goals and show them how they can win in life. The players teach the students that everything is a game, so find out what the rules are, stay in bounds and play to win. GFL has been helping youth for over 35 years. More than 100 former NFL players have helped change the lives of over 50,000 students.
GFL set up its current board structure in 2010 and is now governed by an outstanding group of educators, business entrepreneurs, former athletes, doctors, lawyers and community leaders.
