MISSION STATEMENT

Strengthen Our Youth Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c )(3) of the IRS Code, dedicated to educating and inspiring youth to live safe, drug-free, and violent-free lives; and to be contributing members of their communities.

HISTORY OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Christopher Bianez and Lindy Privett have laid the groundwork for the success of Strengthen Our Youth Foundation, Inc.  Over a three-year period as police officers, their full-time assignment was facilitating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.®) program, a life-skills program for elementary students.  These messages focused on strategies such as decision making, communication skills, conflict resolution, social competence, sense of purpose and independence, and getting involved in positive activities. 

In May 2001, Bianez and Privett combined their talents and performed trampoline and martial arts demonstrations and shared a drug-free message for the D.A.R.E. ® culmination ceremonies of two of the Plano Independent School District’s (PISD) elementary schools.  Word quickly spread throughout PISD regarding how effective the message was received by the students, when presented in this exciting format that captured the students’ attention.  Officer Bianez was contacted by several PISD counselors who were eager to bring these demonstrations and life-skill messages to their schools . 

In September 2001, Bianez and Privett announced the rollout of their school-wide assembly titled High-Flying Excitement and a Knockout Message!  Ten slots were opened during 2001 National Red Ribbon Week, which filled in less than three days.  Over the past five years, they have shared their program with over 550 schools, reaching more than 300,000 students.

Bianez has more than 35 years trampoline experience.  Privett has more than 20 years martial arts experience.  Bianez and Privett have four-year college degrees.  As police officers, they are uniquely positioned to deliver the fitness, safety, drug-free and violence-free message. 

They bring the following experience to the speaking platform:

• Presented High-Flying Excitement and a Knockout Message program for more than 550 events, reaching more than 300,000 youth over the past five years.

• Over 3,900 stand-up delivery life-skills lessons in elementary school classrooms, over a three year period.
  

• Over three decades combined law enforcement experience.
  

• Over three decades combined public speaking experience.
  

• Special training in educating children about the dangers of substance abuse, violence, and personal safety.