FACE4Kids® motivates elementary youth to build fitness, self-esteem, and character before it's too late. FACE benefits from strategic partnerships that allow the 8-week program to be offered FREE during the public school day throughout the year.
In 1997, I participated in an intervention program for juveniles in the Duval County jail and saw how they had to accept the consequences for their actions. I wanted to make a difference -- yet catch them earlier rather than later to share character values with a focus on respect & leadership while teaching cool techniques and movements to our next generation. The seed was planted!
In 2004, I presented to a sub-committee asking to provide the FACE (Fitness And Character Education) program to the public elementary schools during the school day, where it would make the most impact. They told me that the Superintendent, John Fryer, would never allow that to happen and I left the meeting disappointed and dejected. Yet my Martial Arts training taught me that it was all about getting back up and not about falling down, so I decided to go to the schools directly and the rest is
History!
What started out as selecting the "trouble makers" from public schools in the youth leadership program, has evolved in the participants being selected because of various conditions (low self esteem, death in the family, been bullied, is a bully, needing mentorship, on meds, etc.).
The FACE program has been shared with public, private, charter, Montessori, alternative, and ESE students. The combination of Fitness, character education, acknowledgement at a "graduation" with earning awards,
Data metrics (pre/post), and accountability have all proven that the FACE program works!
Everyone in this email has been a part of FACE4Kids in some way. A teacher, administrator, supporter, sponsor or person shown interest in the FACE program -- you all have helped us to Make a Difference!
FACE4Kids® benefits from strategic partnerships that allow the 8-week program to be offered FREE during the school day throughout the year, where principals and teachers recognize the positive impact in the lives of their students. Often these students come from communities that suffer from extreme poverty, high crime rates, high unemployment and fractured homes. This unique program combines Martial arts, jump rope, juggling, agility training and public speaking.
Fitness is Essential, yet Character Education is Priceless!
FACE4Kids® has been implemented in over 60 different public-school locations throughout NE Florida since 2004 while expanding to Pennsylvania in 2012. We are back in the schools, being compliant with school regulations while continuing to share the message of respect and leadership while implementing the program during the school day. Please consider making a difference by investing in the continued success of FACE4Kids.
Thank You!
Kirk Farber, Executive Director and Founder
Fitness And Character Education, Inc.
The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
Sample Testimonials from 2021
It was a beautiful sight to behold when I popped into graduation to check on you all! Thank you so much, Sensei Kirk, for all of your dedicated hard work. We are so grateful & teachers give us the best feedback about your program!
Elizabeth Curran, School Counselor
John E Ford school
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Darrell attends school regularly, but is often tardy. Darrell is kind and wants to do the right thing, but lacks self-control and often times has difficulty focusing attention on specific tasks for long periods. (pre-survey)
Darrell has improved significantly since starting the FACE program with positive behavior, on task behavior, and the confidence to make mistakes and learn from them. Thank you! (post-survey)
Rob Gainey, School Counselor
Spring Park Elementary
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Jack loves training! Training with you gives him an escape from his normal routine into a place where he can immerse himself. It has given him an understanding of his body as well as the mental component. Not only has he gotten so much stronger, but training has changed his mindset. It has taken him to the next level in sports where he is able to compete with confidence. Thank you so much for your guidance and sage advice.
Kelly B., Parent