The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth
Background – The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth is a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 1990 to address the serious problem of youth suicide in Colorado and the nation. Over the past twenty years hundreds of presentations have been given on suicide, depression and self destructive behavior to schools, youth groups, parents, teachers and professionals. The Foundation has positively touched and impacted the lives of thousands of young people across the world.
Today, the Shaka Franklin Foundation has grown and expanded to offer all young people opportunities to enrich their education and cultivate their creativity. Today’s vision is to provide a welcome, protected and loving environment for children. Each passing year this vision has become more of a reality as we see the growth of young participating and parental involvement through the connection of Shaka’s Place Youth Technology Center and SHAKA I.C.E (Inner City Edge).
The foundation was able to secure 2 acres of land in the Globeville neighborhood of Denver from the Denver Housing Authority. This land is for an ice rink that will support the SHAKA I.C.E. program and other youth hockey. The capital campaign for this project is on-going with an additional $1 million needed to cash out the project.
Shaka’s Place Youth Technology Center is located at 5929 E. 38th Ave. It is the hub for educational and creative projects. The 5,000 square foot building includes an 18 station computer lab; a 21 seat theatre for young people to view movies, educational documentaries and their own video creations; a conference room that doubles as a classroom; a video editing room; an open production studio and two music/audio studios. All of these areas are where young people 3 through 18 can come and learn.
The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth remains committed to the well being of children and their families. We continue to “Work Towards a Better World for Families and Children” by creating extraordinary opportunities for children and young people. Encouraging “our children” to continue their educational paths and pursue their dreams. Programs are open to all children regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, culture or sexual orientation. We believe that all children are gifted. The only difference is that some open their gifts sooner than others.
The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth continues to advocate youth suicide prevention presentations, informational brochures, informal counseling and support to families.
SHAKA I.CE. (Inner City Edge)
In 1997 The Shaka Franklin Foundation started SHAKA ICE to introduce non-traditional children to ice hockey and figure skating. Hundreds of children ages 3-18 have benefitted from the SHAKA ICE program.
The program provides children with equipment and professional coaching and instruction at no charge.
At present, The Shaka Franklin Foundation is engaged in a capital campaign to raise funds to build an ice rink at 51st and Broadway in the Globeville community of Denver, Colorado. This is $2million project with a balance of $1.5 million to be raised.
The SHAKA I.C.E. program is a premier member of the National Hockey League/USA Hockey Diversity Program of which there are 20 member organizations throughout North America. SHAKA I.C.E. is focused on education. Participants are required to maintain academic excellence. Tutoring is made available for those who need it.
During this time of fund raising for the rink, the SHAKA I.C.E. program sponsors the Colorado Rampage, a Midget AAA competitive team in Colorado Springs. The sponsorship provides the Colorado Rampage with two fifteen passenger vans, a trailer and some equipment. The Midget AAA program can be a cost burden for some families. For those who require financial assistance, the Shaka Franklin Foundation makes available scholarship dollars. The Foundation financially supports a small number of figure skaters. This support will increase once the new rink is constructed as will the hockey development program.
Currently, a capital campaign is in progress to build an ice rink and learning center in Globeville, a disenfranchised area of Denver, Colorado.
There is also a plan on the drawing board to promote ice hockey amongst the youth of South Africa.
