LAUNCH for Life

10/15/2026

Check us out! Wonderful story from The Phil VA (thank you Madison!) and an interview with our Executive Director, David.

Grateful for highlighting what we do, and more importantly, why we do it.

You Can't Be What You Can't See.

Founded in 2021, L.A.U.N.C.H for Life connects boys from fatherless homes with positive male mentors, empowering them to succeed.

10/06/2026

Sometimes opening a young man’s eyes to what’s possible starts in the kitchen. 👨‍🍳

Our Graduate Program spent the day with Chef Kristen at Young Chefs Academy of Richmond on Sunday, learning by doing, trying something new, and building confidence along the way.

That’s exactly what our second-year program is about: hands-on learning, new interests, and exposure to possibilities they may not have considered before.

This marks our 5th straight year with Young Chefs Academy, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued investment in our young men.

Give them a follow, and if you’re looking for a great group experience for young men and women, put them on the list! 🙏🚀

09/23/2026

Platinum looks pretty good on us.

We have earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency, Candid's highest level of nonprofit recognition and one achieved by fewer than 1% of U.S. charities.

This is more than a badge. It means we publicly share our goals, strategies, leadership and measurable results.

We're proud of the work we do and how far we've come in 5+ years.

If you want to support an organization creating real growth and opportunities for young men, donate.

If your business wants to make a meaningful local impact, let's partner!

https://www.thelaunchforlife.com/donate

09/22/2026

Eight days later, we think everyone has finally recovered.

Our first-year Junior Program mentees took on an incredible workout at CrossFit Pushin Weight, learning about gym safety, fitness, and the power of community along the way.

The teamwork was awesome. They pushed themselves, encouraged each other, and helped teammates finish strong. Lots of smiles, plenty of tired mentees, and even more tired mentors. A lot of naps were taken that afternoon.

Huge thanks to Tyler (Co-owner and Head Coach), Coach Mike, and Coach Matt for leading the workout and supporting our mission year after year.

Everyone survived. We’ll call that a win.

09/16/2026

Five years running! Doesn't get better than Enterprise Mobility!

They hosted our Graduate Program on Sunday at Richmond International Airport (RIC) this weekend for hands-on preventive auto maintenance education.

Mike Bruce, VP and GM, and his RIC team were incredible hosts once again, teaching practical skills and investing in our young men. Maybe a few will join the Enterprise team someday. 🚀

This annual support is exactly why Enterprise Mobility was named our 2025 Partner of the Year. Amazing people. Thank you! 🙏

Want to help create experiences that strengthen young men and build a better Richmond? Partner with us or donate at launchforlife.org.

Photo credits:

08/31/2026

Hot day. Full bellies. Even fuller hearts.

This BBQ is where our year starts after our annual camp. Mentees, mentors, volunteers, and families together, wrapping a community around these young men. "Community" was our core value for this event. No one else is doing this work quite like we are.

King's Korner Restaurant and Catering showed up big for our community BBQ this year (2nd year in a row), and we are still full from it.

Candace, Logan, and their team stood over those smokers in the heat and taught our young men the craft, the patience it takes to do it right.That kind of teaching sticks.

Thank you King's Korner!

If you haven't eaten at King's Korner yet for one of their buffets Friday through Sunday, fix that.

08/15/2026

Day 3 was 🔥. Camp in the books. ✅
The brotherhood is growing ✅

Cornelius said it: "This is my favorite thing I've ever done."

Our new and returning mentors showed up. Gave their time. And the young men noticed. Ice baths and Aleve on tap this weekend.

Our volunteers were HUGE the entire week. 🙏

Cups overflowing. 🥹

Grateful to our camp sponsors: Purple Gold Partners, 1850 Investments, Keiter!

And big thanks to Rashida Bakes Cafe for donating breakfast!

We're off! And can't wait for the next event - our community BBQ.🚀

08/14/2026

Day 2 of camp. Holy smokes.

Juniors and Grads came together today - movie scene reenactments, deep discussions, and enough physical exertion to earn a good night's sleep.

Then we spent 2+ hours with former NFL player Shamarko Thomas , who poured everything into these young men. Even had time for a little friendly football.

Shamarko runs his physical and personal development business here in the RVA area, DIVGLLC (Destined For Greatness). Outstanding man and mentor.

Huge thanks to 's Ristorante Italiano for another incredible lunch — the most generous restaurant owner in all the land.

And a big thank you to the generosity of Patrick Brady Real Estate for covering breakfast today!

Day 3 for our Juniors tomorrow. Finishing strong.

08/13/2026

What a day! Day 1 of camp in the books.

Cups are overflowing.

What an amazing group of young men and mentors who officially joined the LAUNCH family today.

And our volunteers - wow. Made the day easy. 🙏

And Rock N Roll Sushi (Midlothian, VA Now Open) WOW! What a lunch. Donated to us + coupons for free kids meals to send home. Above and beyond. The best.

Grateful to our camp sponsors for helping enable what we do - Purple Gold Partners | 1850 Investments| Keiter

Enough said ... a fraction of pics below. Follow to see the next couple of camp days and everything that follows.

Big day tomorrow!