06/05/2026
What happens when sports become a tool for connection, confidence, and belonging?
Play it Forward was brought to life at New Life Village by Mitch Hetrick, Founder of Change the Culture, with a simple but powerful goal: to create opportunities for children to build meaningful relationships with positive male role models through sports, movement, and shared experiences. Built around connection, encouragement, and fun, Play it Forward was designed to show our children that they are seen, valued, loved, and capable of great things.
As home to more than 100 children impacted by foster care and trauma, one of the greatest needs we see is positive male mentorship. Through Play it Forward, former professional athletes, fitness leaders, and community mentors stepped onto the field to encourage, challenge, and invest in our youth.
Sports may be the language, but mentorship is the mission.
As Play it Forward becomes a monthly tradition at NLV, we are grateful to every mentor, volunteer, athlete, and leader who show up for our children. This program is the embodiment of the proverb, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child".
These role models are helping our children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Thank you to Mitch, Change the Culture, and every mentor helping our kids see what's possible when a community shows up for them.
Thank you J Roses Media for the amazing photos.
This is how we Village.
