“Our future lies in the hands of the children. They are the most precious part of our lives and the greatest resource on this planet.”

Randy Bertish has combined efforts with My Gym Children’s Fitness Centers to positively impact the lives of children. This is a very unique partnership between a man who has overcome enormous challenges following his surviving a catastrophic accident and an established corporation that, through its innovative programs, has been promoting the growth and development of youngsters for the past 20 years.

These two have joined forces to provide experiences that will improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of “at-risk” and physically challenged children. Our mission is to set the foundation for economically disadvantaged, abused, neglected and physically challenged children to become healthy, self-confident, contributing members of society.

My Gym combines innovative, physical early learning/pre-gymnastics classes with state-of-the-art facilities to empower children 3 months-9 years of age by helping them acquire the skills, confidence and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults. Children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally in over 80 gyms worldwide.

My Gym’s award-winning classes enhance children’s strength, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and social skills through games, music, exercise, sports, special rides, gymnastics and fun! The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation brings our programs to the children and families who need them most.

The population of children served by The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation experience feelings of depression, uncertainty and fear on a regular basis. Because of their adverse life circumstances, they often miss out on the magic of childhood, itself. Without intervention, many of these children will grow up to become unfulfilled, emotionally unstable, unhealthy adults. Not only is this a heartbreaking situation for each child, it has a negative impact on society as a whole. Having a positive self-image would open a whole new world of possibilities for each of these children, and that is exactly what our concept offers. Based on My Gym’s philosophy, our programs provide for youngsters’ physical, cognitive and social growth. Above all, however, every aspect is formulated toward our principal objective of raising each child’s self-esteem.

Our mission is to help break the cycles of intolerance, violence and poverty through Outreach Programs, Challenged America’s Website, and Nonprofit My Gym facilities. We strive to touch as many lives as possible and feel we’re helping to build a better tomorrow, one child at a time.

Our Mission Statement

The goal of The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation is to transform our culture by providing programs and services that enhance the quality of life and improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children who are “at-risk” and those who are physically challenged.

Our mission is to help these children acquire the confidence, self-esteem and sense of well-being they need to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. This, in turn, helps to break the cycles of violence, intolerance and poverty. Additionally, our programs involving children with physical disabilities promote understanding, cooperation and compassion. We are committed to nurturing children, treating them with dignity and positive reinforcement, maintaining a loving and supportive atmosphere, and helping youngsters develop a sense of accomplishment. All of our programs are formulated so that children will succeed!

Our Vision Statement

A humane and compassionate society wherein childhood is a magical experience for each and every child for generations to come

Outreach Program

We are in the process of creating programs and partnerships to bring “at-risk” children to existing My Gym facilities to participate in the standard curriculum, if appropriate, or specialized programs geared to the specific needs of these children. A number of these courses involve the participation of parents or caregivers. This is a powerful concept in that our programs promote parent/child (or caregiver/child) bonding.

Program Objectives

• To enhance the physical and emotional well-being of each child who enters our facilities
• To expose deprived chlidren to the My Gym Philosophy and ensuing benefits
• To help every child develop confidence and self-esteem, no matter his/her circumstances
• To provide children an outlet for the release of anger, hostility and a range of destructive emotions
• To offer group experiences to children who do not have opportunities for social interaction
• To channel negative energy into constructive activity
• To intervene in situations involving domestic violence, promote healing and encourage parent/child bonding
• To afford children in distress the opportunity to experience the thrill of accomplishment
• To provide a loving and noncompetitive environment where troubled children feel physically and emotionally safe
• To bring laughter, fun and excitement into the lives of children and families suffering hardships
  
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Nonprofit My Gym Facilities

The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation is working to create a self-sustaining My Gym Nonprofit Facility in an economically disadvantaged area of Los Angeles, California. This initial facility will function as a model for nationwide expansion. Our goal is to reach children in need throughout the country. These children are accustomed to feeling sidelined. Being able to engage in activities in a mainstream gym environment can reinforce their confidence and sense of belonging.

Project Goals

• To be a support system in building healthier children and families
• To provide new opportunities for people living in economically disadvantaged areas
• To cultivate a sense of belonging and community for children and families
• To help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups

Philosophy

• Children are the most precious part of our lives and the most valuable resource on this planet.
• Every child deserves to be treated with kindness, patience, love and understanding.
• A child's first seven years have a profound influence on the rest of his/her life.
• It is imperative that a child develop confidence and self-esteem during these early formative years.
• Children will thrive in a loving and noncompetitive environment where they feel physically and emotionally safe.
• Immediate, positive reinforcement is the most effective means to facilitate a child’s learning, comprehension and retention.
• Fun, variety and excitement are crucial elements in motivating children.
• Attitudes toward health and fitness begin forming in the early years.
• Children delight in getting to know and control their own bodies.
• The thrill of accomplishment from achieving a physical task builds self-esteem and confidence that carries over into all aspects of a child’s life