Soleful Kicks

10/07/2026

Some young people are thriving. Others are already getting extra support. But what about the kids in the middle?

The ones who are capable, but need a little extra motivation. A goal to work toward. Someone in their corner reminding them they can do it.

That’s where Soleful Kicks comes in. We meet young people before they fall through the cracks, helping them build confidence, create momentum and see what they’re capable of, one goal at a time. 👟

Learn more about how Soleful Kicks works at www.solefulkicks.org

10/01/2026

Supporting a young person doesn’t always mean giving them the answer.

Sometimes it means asking the right question, giving them room to struggle and being there as they figure out what comes next.

In our latest blog, Soleful Kicks Founder Jason Smith shares why the best support doesn’t take over. It helps young people build the confidence to take the next step themselves.

Read

Supporting a young person doesn't mean solving every problem for them. The best mentors know when to encourage, when to ask questions, when to listen and when to step back—helping young people build the confidence to move forward on their own.

09/29/2026

74 started. 71 finished. But some of our favorite parts of the Summer Challenge happened in between.

In our first Impact Stories blog, Program Coordinator Cheryl Grant Finnerty shares what she saw as young people and their families showed up, tried new things and made the Challenge their own.

👟 Read Cheryl’s story:

74 Started. 71 Finished. And What a Summer It Was! by Cheryl Finnerty When I look back at the 2026 Soleful Kicks Summer Challenge, one thing immediately comes to mind: Wow. These kids really went for it! As the Program Coordinator for Soleful Kicks, I had the unique and amazing opportunity to watch....

09/24/2026

“What happens in Week 11?” We were asked this question recently during a meeting, and it's an important one.

For 10 weeks, a young person has something tangible to work toward. They set a goal, work alongside a mentor, track their progress and, when they complete the challenge, earn the sneakers they've chosen. But then the challenge ends. So what happens week 11?

We don't expect that young person to never struggle again. They might have another difficult semester. They might fall out of a healthy routine. They might make a mistake or face a challenge they don't know how to handle right away. The goal of Soleful Kicks isn't perfection.

It's giving young people the opportunity to experience what it feels like to set a goal and make progress toward it. To keep going when something gets hard. To have someone in their corner. And ultimately, to see evidence that their own effort can lead somewhere.

So when the next challenge comes, we hope they're able to draw on something they practiced during those 10 weeks: "I can set goals." "I can make progress." "I can keep going." "I have someone supporting me."

That's what we want youth carrying with them into Week 11 and beyond.

09/22/2026

Happy first day of autumn! 🍂

There’s something about the start of a new season that feels like a good time to think about what’s next. At Soleful Kicks, we ask young people to choose a goal that matters to them, put in the work and keep going even when it gets challenging. Along the way, they get to see something pretty powerful: what they’re capable of accomplishing when they stick with it. But that idea isn’t just for our youth.

So as we head into a new season, I have a question for you: What are you working toward this fall? Maybe it’s something big. Maybe it’s one small change you’ve been meaning to make. Either way, I’d love to hear it. Drop your goal in the comments. And here’s to a new season and something new to work toward.

- Jason smith
Soleful Kicks Founder & "The Shoe Guy"

09/17/2026

Big news: Every gift to Soleful Kicks is going twice as far.

Thanks to the generosity of a Soleful Kicks supporter, every donation to our year-end campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000.

That means a $25 gift becomes $50. $50 becomes $100. And together, we have the opportunity to turn $25,000 in community support into $50,000 for young people.
Your support goes beyond a new pair of sneakers. It helps young people set goals, stick with them and experience the confidence that comes from accomplishing something they worked hard to achieve.

Give today and Double Your Step: https://donorbox.org/double-your-step-25k-matching-challenge

09/15/2026

The sneakers might be the reward, but they’re not the whole story. 👟

Every goal a young person sets creates opportunities for small wins along the way. Putting in the effort. Seeing progress. Following through. Realizing, "I did that". Those moments add up. They build confidence, resilience and the belief that when the next challenge comes, they can take that on too.

That’s what we want young people to walk away with. Not just a new pair of shoes, but a stronger belief in what they’re capable of. Swipe to see what youth really gain. ➡️

09/12/2026

We are at the touch a truck event in Pittsboro, NC - stop by!

09/10/2026

Big goals don’t happen all at once. They’re built through small, repeatable actions that keep us moving forward.

For young people, those small wins matter. Each time they follow through, try again or take another step toward a goal, they’re building more than momentum. They’re building confidence in themselves and what they’re capable of. Over time, those actions become habits. Those habits create progress. And that progress becomes something they can be proud of.