Uplift Youth Foundation
Blue Eyed Girl is a proud sponsor of Uplift Youth Foundation.
In store rewards customers now can choose to donate their rewards towards to this amazing organization.
Their Mission
UPLIFT Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides youth with the tools of movement, mindfulness, and peer connection to support their wellbeing, create community, and nurture growth.
We partner with schools and community organizations across Southern California to provide our research-based programs that help students strengthen emotional resilience, reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-confidence, and develop practical tools for navigating everyday challenges.
Over the past year, UPLIFT has served 5,100+ youth and delivered 570+ program hours, with 97% of participants reporting improved mental wellness after participating in our programs.
The Origin Story
Behind every non-profit is a story of the heart. A deep knowing that there is a better way.
UPLIFT Founder, Erica Austin, lost her best friend and brother, Joey, to an accidental overdose while they were both attending Ohio State in 2000. Erica and her family transformed their devastating loss into hope by starting this non-profit organization with the mission to help young people make healthy lifestyle choices. Erica became one of the nation’s top college speakers and Joey’s story saved countless lives across the US.
Erica felt a calling to do more. Inspired by the latest research in positive psychology, she began to dream about creating a movement for teen wellness. Through in-depth research and time spent with summer camp teens, Erica emerged with clarity and determination to start a teen yoga and mindfulness program.