Welcome to ITF
(In The Field)
ABOUT US
ITF (In The Field) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the social + emotional development of black and brown high-risk youth through sports based mental & behavioral wellness programming.
ITF was founded to deliver culturally competent and relevant sports based mental & behavioral healthcare to the underserved & low income communities heavily impacted by gun & gang violence. We have a keen focus on addressing the social + emotional learning and wellness needs of high-risk youth with aggressive exposure to and engagement in urban violence.
ITF has developed a Sports-Based Therapeutic program where we mix Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy + Somatic Therapy coaching & mentorship with the sports our youth want to play. From basketball, competitive paintball, esports (video games and VR) and more, ITF aims to help heal trauma & PTSD in our most underserved and underrepresented youth and shift their relationships with trauma, pain and gun/gang violence. ITF serves all youth ages 12-24 and offers special programming tailored to the needs of black & brown high risk youth.
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Our Mission
ITF (In The Field) exists to heal, empower, and elevate youth—especially those impacted by gun and gang violence—through culturally competent, sport-based mental and behavioral wellness programming. By meeting young people where they are, we fuse therapy with competition, mentorship with play, and healing with purpose to disrupt cycles of trauma, create new life pathways, and build community resilience from the inside out.
Our Approach
ITF uses a Sports Based Mental & Behavioral Wellness approach to consistently get youth excited and engaged in their healing process. We meet the youth where they are and offer them therapeutic services through the vessels that they have an affinity for. All youth love to play! By mixing clinical therapy, counseling and mentorship with sport play, ITF uses gamification to engage youth in a dynamic and immersive experience. This approach helps them confront and process past traumas, build resilience, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Why Paintball?
Paintball offers a safe and controlled environment for exposure therapy. It helps youth reframe their perceptions of violence, manage their emotions, and build a strong sense of community. The physical and strategic aspects of paintball also promote teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference. Whether you are interested in volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, your support can help us empower more youth to overcome trauma and thrive.
Volunteer:
Become a mentor, coach, or support staff and make a direct impact on the lives of high-risk youth.
Donate:
Your contributions help us maintain and expand our programs, reaching more youth in need.
Partner with Us:
Collaborate with ITF to create new opportunities and resources for our community.
