Rise and Thrive – Navigating Health and Wellness for Trans Teens and Parents

The Cause

Program Overview:
Fitness Trans Formed: Rise and Thrive aims to support the health and wellness of Trans youth aged 12-17 during their transition to adulthood. This program will provide an inclusive, trauma-informed environment where participants can explore their identities and develop resilience through movement and self-advocacy.

Parent Education Program:
We will also establish a complementary parent education program, Parent Connect, designed to engage parents in discussions about health and wellness topics specific to their children. This group will focus on fostering understanding and support for their children's experiences during this critical phase.

Program Staff:
All programs will be led by certified Personal Trainers, Educators, and Mental Health Therapists trained in trauma-informed care and experienced in working with Trans populations. The majority of our leadership team identifies as Trans, ensuring relatable and inclusive support.

Goals and Impact:
Provide a safe space for Trans youth to thrive during their transition.
Foster resilience, self-advocacy, and community connection among participants.
Educate and support parents in understanding their children's needs.

Who Will it Benefit?

Primary Stakeholders: Trans Teens and Their Caregivers
Trans youth aged 12-17 will be the primary beneficiaries of Fitness Trans Formed: Rise and Thrive. This cohort faces unique challenges during adolescence, particularly in navigating identity, mental health, and societal pressures. This program provides a safe, trauma-informed space for physical wellness and personal development, helping them build resilience, self-confidence, and community. By empowering Trans youth through movement and education, we support their holistic health and wellness during the transition to adulthood.

In parallel, the Parent Connect program will provide caregivers with vital knowledge and tools to better understand and support their children. Parents will benefit from group discussions on mental and physical health topics, as well as strategies to foster an affirming, supportive environment at home. This dual approach ensures the family unit is involved in the wellness journey, improving communication, connection, and care.

Secondary Stakeholders: Trans Community Members and Medical Professionals
The broader Trans community will also benefit from this initiative, as the program will help cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment within fitness spaces. By modeling trauma-informed practices and trans-affirming care, the program can inspire change in other organizations and practitioners, encouraging a more compassionate approach to health services for gender-diverse individuals.

Medical professionals, including mental health therapists, educators, and fitness trainers involved in this program, will further develop their skills in trauma-informed care. This contributes to their professional growth and the larger medical community's capacity to better serve the Trans population.

Broader Community Impact:
Finally, the program benefits the broader community by reducing stigma and increasing awareness of Trans health and wellness needs. It promotes social inclusion, equity, and acceptance, encouraging a culture where diversity is celebrated, and all members feel valued. The collaboration between Trans youth, their families, health professionals, and community members helps build a stronger, more connected community where everyone can thrive.