Who Is Give N' Grow?
We are a grassroots, 501c3 nonprofit serving communities across the US, committed to cultivating healthy, loving humans. Our passion is our super power, and our greatest joy is spreading smiles.
OUR WHY
Sadly, we all know that depression, anxiety, and teen suicide are increasing worldwide. We believe that providing holistic health education and social emotional learning to youth early on, and supporting parents in doing the same, will lead to a flourishing future for humanity.
Some Highlights From Our Journey So Far!
NBA All-Star Weekend 2022 Cleveland Cavs Collaboration
COVID 19 Virtual Mini-Hoop Workouts Kid Feedback
Kid Does The Worm In Philadelphia 76ers Assembly Collaboration And We Lose Our Minds 😂😂😂
Coach Ben Rapping GNG's History For Giving Tuesday
Coach Mac Always Bringing That "Let's GROW" Energy
Under Armour X Baltimore City B&G Club X Poly HS Basketball Clinic Collaboration
We're so thankful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, fans, partners, and all of the students that have given us their focus, energy, and love.
Past Program Special Guests
On of the phrases we love to share is "Victory To The Vulnerable"! We've collaborated with many professional athletes who open up about their mental health challenges in front of hundreds, even thousands of kids during our online events. These pros help us inspire youth to stay present and be resilient when faced with adversity.
Lonnie Walker IV - NBA
Cheyenne Parker - WNBA
Franz Wagner - NBA
Kahleah Copper - WNBA
Tyrese Maxey - NBA
Monica Wright - WNBA
OUR RELATIONSHIPS
We have mastered engaging students in social emotional learning, and we are revolutionizing how mental health programming is delivered in partnership with organizations like the Jr. NBA, Cleveland Cavs, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Under Armour, Dick's Sporting Goods and elementary schools across the country.
WHAT WE DO
We serve thousands of students across the country through experiences that effectively cultivate youth mental health and physical fitness by integrating mindfulness and social emotional learning (SEL) with fundamental basketball skills, mindful movement, and educational music in a variety of in-person and virtual programs.
OUR COACHES
BEN CECCHINI
Founder, Executive Director, M.E. Skills Coach
Coach Ben is a former mental health professional, life coach, motivational speaker, rapper, and basketball coach who has travelled the world inspiring people to be the best they can be.
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Ben previously worked the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, and was a footwear developer for Under Armour where he helped to create all of the custom Under Armour shoes worn by NBA players, including Steph Curry.
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He has lived in Ghana as a mentor and trainer for young athletes, and he currently lives in Costa Rica teaching breathwork and hoops!
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Education:
B.A. Mathematics, Washington & Jefferson College, 2013
Captain, W&J College Men’s Basketball 2010-2013
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Certifications:
Certified Professional Life Coach, iPEC, 2017
Certified Breathwork Facilitator, SOMA Breath, 2020
RYAN MCFARLAND
M.E. Skills Coach
In 2011, Coach Ryan held his first private basketball training session and hasn’t looked back! ​
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​As M.E. Skills Coach for GNG, Coach Ryan goes above and beyond to ensure skill and character growth. He teaches GNG's M.E. (Mental Emotional) Skills with a positive, engaging energy that allows students of all skill levels to thrive.
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He's a father, husband, and community leader who has the super power of connecting with people from all walks of life.
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Education:
B.S. Leisure and Sports Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2015
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2 Year Starter, Reading Area Community College Basketball
OUR CURRICULUM
Our school assemblies and on-going programming is based on the research of a bevy of experts in the fields of sports psychology, developmental psychology, childhood education, various therapy modalities, and life coaching to ensure that we integrate the most essential and effective mental health skills for K-5th graders to develop during their educational journey. Smiles shine when we combine SEL development with music, movement and play!
SCIENCE, STATISTICS, STRATEGIES
GNG and Anxiety
GNG and Depression
GNG and ADHD
GNG and Teen Suicide Prevention