Coles Foundation, Inc.

Youth sports is about more than the game. It’s about growth. Through structured programming, mentorship, and teamwork, we create safe, supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging. Our sports teams, Da Guyz and Lady Angels, provide opportunities for youth to develop athletic skills while learning the values of leadership, accountability, and teamwork—on and off the court.

GreenWorks is a paid summer workforce and mentorship program, led by Coles Foundation in partnership with Hope by Hope Inc., that provides young people with hands-on job experience while giving back to the Louisville community through lawn care and outdoor maintenance services. Participants work in supervised youth crews providing lawn care services, learning job skills, teamwork, time management, and responsibility—while earning income and working toward future goals.

This six-week after-school experience gives young people the skills, tools, and platform to tell stories that matter. Participants will explore video production, podcasting, photography, interviewing, editing, digital citizenship, public speaking, teamwork, and conflict-resolution messaging while receiving structured support after-school. In production teams, youth will identify an issue affecting their community and develop a multimedia project that raises awareness and calls others to action. Families will also gain access to wraparound community services that help address barriers and support stability at home through our KYNECT resource database. The experience culminates in a public multimedia showcase where share their work, celebrate their growth, and see the impact of using their voices for change.