Rooted in its four core pillars, community, education, sports and empowerment, the Mexica Center, previously known as Azteca Boxing Club, advances the long-term success and well-being of some of Weld County’s most underserved youth and their families.
Located in Greeley, the Mexica Center offers boxing classes, wrestling, volunteer opportunities, tutoring, mentorship and more to help at-risk youth find a place of belonging and gain life-long skills for a better future.
The Weld Trust awarded the Center $100,000 over two years to support boxing and mentoring for 300 at-risk or underserved youth. Through a previous grant for the same program, the center provided 130 students with memberships. Of these 130 students, more than 80 percent of students reported feeling connectedness to a positive role model through boxing and mentoring classes. Through the current grant, the Center is striving to help 95 percent of participants find connection to a trusted adult and mentor.
The Mexica Center’s programs are a strong fit with The Weld Trust’s focus on physical and mental health. The Center gives youth a safe place to stay active and feel connected. By removing the cost barrier, more at-risk youth can participate. Just as important, the program connects young people with caring mentors and trusted adults who help guide them, build confidence and support healthy choices.
Aaliyah Berrelez, a University High School graduate, and Shaylee and Braylynn Ramirez, Roosevelt High School graduates, said they will be taking the lessons from the Mexica Center with them to their next chapter.
“It’s been so nice to work out and see that you can push yourself harder,” Shaylee said.
Berrelez plans to attend Aims Community College next year, while the Ramirez sisters plan to join the Air Force.
“It has been great to be around people who want to better themselves,” Berrelez said. “You are helping them and they are helping you.”
To see more grants awarded by The Weld Trust, click here.