WHO WE ARE
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Youth to Escape the Prison Pipeline
The Inspire to Aspire Youth Empowerment Program (IAYEP) was formed when Sensei Dave read an article regarding recidivism rates of adults in prison. The report, from The Center For Economic Policy Research, stated that "70% of youth experiencing Juvenile Detention will end up in prison as an adult." In some states, the % actually went up to 85% over the last 10 years.
These statistics are scary and extremely sad. To know that so many kids with no agency over where they happen to be born, who their parents happen to be, and what they happen to have experienced in their lives are destined to be incarcerated/end up in prison.
This is disheartening, and we knew that something different and dramatic had to be done to change the statics surrounding our youth. After much reflection on his lived experience in the Foster Care and Juvenile Justice System, research, and investigation, Sensei Dave and his team have developed a program that is the "missing piece" for youth experiencing Foster Care and youth in the juvenile Justice System
''At IAYEP, we empower overlooked youth and equip them to rewrite their futures.''
Sensei Dave
Founder
HOPE + SKILLS = AN AMAZING LIFE
I want to see our youth coming out of the system THRIVE not just survive. 20,000+ youth age out every year ill-prepared
and unequipped for success.
We are changing this NOW!
The Program
The Inspire to Aspire Youth Empowerment program has three essential parts that help our youth obtain real "success."
Forming intrinsic motivation and giving hope for their future.
Equipping our youth with essential skill sets, and tangible expertise that are vital for self-confidence and self-efficacy. Skills such as resiliency, meditation, journaling, breathing techniques for anger management, anti-bullying, goal setting, and much more.
Training caring adults, support staff, teachers, Social Workers, and non-profit volunteers on ways to be more impactful with the youth they serve.
Inspire To Aspire (I2A) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-exempt (in the United States) and all work we do is 100% centered around positively impacting youth who are in foster care, juvenile detention, marginalized communities, or considered "at-risk."
Testimonials
What others are saying
"I was blown away...I got to experience his charisma and how commanding Dave is on stage. But, after reading his book...OMG, you'll want to get up off of your butt and get to work! Talk about motivating!
Abbi
Life Coach For Teens
I was struggling with how to achieve my goals, as an entrepreneur mother it was hard to stay focused and motivated. Here I was confused and not going in the direction I wanted to be going and then comes Dave and wow, I’ve never felt so motivated and prepared to do it.
Teuta
Entrepreneur Mom
"Dave is such a phenomenal individual with a great heart. His advice, encouragement and support is just invaluable!"
Carolyn
Entrepreneur & Speaker
After seeing Dave’s speech, I have to say that I’m speechless. I went into foster care when I was 7 years old and now I’m 31. I could relate to everything about Dave’s story. He means so much to us foster care alumni and so much to the world! This man is special.
Charmaine
"This speech makes you really think about yourself and how much you think about thinking about your past. I realize I should be thinking and focusing on my future not my past."
~Stathis
"This message is so deep, I will definitely share this with my family. One of the “snatch the moment and don’t live in the past…grab today” speeches."
~Robert
"Your speech makes us feel vulnerable, and your gesture of how you were scared, I can really relate. I actually felt the fear inside of me. I admire how you found your courage and how you’re able to encourage us to succeed."
~Savanah
ABOUT SENSEI DAVE
SENSEI DAVE - NOW
After serving 24 years in the U.S. Air Force Sensei Dave decided to write his autobiography "Why Me" My Fight For Life and launch his business Unlimited Potential Network Academy. Dave has served as VP, Board of Directors for non-profits, served as ED of his own Martial Arts Mentoring Program for "at-risk" youth, owned and operated several successful Martial Arts Schools, and has received several awards and accolades for his 20+ years of service towards our youth.
From Nothing!
Sensei Dave began his journey in juvenile detention, foster care, and group homes starting at age 11. Shortly thereafter his mother passed away and he was left without any family or relatives. Young Dave had no hope for his future and nothing seemed to matter to him. He began running with gangs, robbing, fighting, and consistently in and out of detention. His "destiny" was written, and he would end up like most of the youth who came from the streets...DEAD OR IN PRISON
I survived the system because of three essential things that I am on a mission to help our youth with right now. our youth need HOPE, without hope we have nothing to look forward to, nothing to strive toward, no "why." Our youth need to know that they have the skills and self-confidence to achieve their goals and become successful in their lives. Lastly, they need caring adults in their corner. But, showing up as a "caring adult" isn't enough. Our caring adults need training and need to KNOW they are making a difference in our youth's lives
Meet The Board of Directors
Dr. Sherry Raftery
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Coach Cordell
Secretary, Board of Directors
Get in touch...
