ABOUT.

OUR 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.

It is our promise to make UPLIFT’s life-changing practices available to all, regardless of financial barriers, via our myriad of life-changing programs and community.

OUR 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.

UPLIFT Co-Founder Camilla Bruno experienced social isolation and a deep feeling of disconnection through her early teen years that set her on a path of self-love and purpose. She mentored high school students and led yoga classes as a mental health resource for substance abuse treatment centers.

Together, Erica and Camilla partnered to develop UPLIFT's one-of-a-kind approach. They launched their first-week series at the Boys and Girls Club in the summer of 2014. Through endless passion and dedication, they created a first-of-its-kind wellness community for teens.

UPLIFT has evolved into something beyond Erica and Camilla’s wildest dreams. Through their effective programs and community, UPLIFT teens took it a step further. The teens became the teachers and are now inspiring teens everywhere to own their wellness and live a life they love.

WATCH THE VIDEO

AWAKEN YOUR INNER BFF.

THE PROBLEM.

Simply put, we are experiencing a teen mental health crisis.

SEE THE
STATS.

WATCH THE VIDEO

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1 in 4

New study showing that 1 in 4 teen girls contemplate suicide.

CDC STUDY

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60%

Over 60% of youth with major depression do not seek treatment.

MHA STATS

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75%

75% of young people worldwide say “the future is frightening.”

GLOBAL STUDY

WHAT OUR TEENS ARE SAYING.

“When I was a freshman, my social anxiety was so bad that I frequently cried and had to leave class because I had panic attacks when teachers would call on me, and I couldn’t present in classes or anything. I legit left public school to homeschool because it was so bad. And now I’m wearing microphones and teaching UNSCRIPTED in front of tons of people, and volunteering myself to teach and speak in front of others. Point being, whatever you think your limits are? Push past them. They aren’t your limits. GO FOR IT. The worlds more fun when you do stuff!”

— ALEX, UPLIFT TEEN AMBASSADOR

“At 11 years old, I would tell my mom I was “sick” because I was terrified of what the day would bring. By 7th grade, I developed depression. I didn’t even understand at the time that I had depression because not enough students and parents are educated about mental illness. After joining UPLIFT, I could finally see with color again. Things no longer had a gray cloud over them. Not only has UPLIFT enlightened me, but they’ve given me a family of peers all on the same journey with their highest selves. The wonderful thing is everyone is there for a different reason because mindfulness is universal.”

— MEGAN, UPLIFT TEEN TEACHER

“I began my first 8 week series when I was in 7th grade. I was dealing with anxiety, loss, bullying, disordered eating, low self-esteem and depression. I was scared to speak up because I was afraid of judgment. I refused to let people in, because I thought they would criticize me the way that I criticized myself. I was so wrong. When I decided to speak up and share my insights, sparks flew as I realized that people cared about me and what I had to say. I meant something. I credit UPLIFT with giving me a voice, or rather, providing me with the love and support I needed to find it and believe in it.”