Welcome to
SOLID Foundation
a place to skate, create and connect
39 Governor St. Paterson, NJ 07501
SKATE.
Skateboarding has enriched and transformed our lives. We believe it makes the world a better place. Skateboarding has connected us with community, life-long friends, mentors, opportunities to travel, express ourselves, serve our community and so much more.
The results we have seen and experienced are positive impacts on mental health, improved confidence, creative thinking and problem solving, connection to community, even public safety…
…and tons of fun!
CREATE.
Skateboarding has also introduced us to creative outlets that have enriched our lives: photography, screen printing, graphic design, creative writing, cinematography, video editing, and so much more.
The resilience we learn on a skateboard inspires us to keep pushing and grow in every area of life including the arts and all the ways we choose to express ourselves creatively.
We use the AfterSchoolHQ platform to manage programs and registration.
CONNECT.
The City of Paterson, NJ has so much to offer. We are grateful to be one small part of the ecosystem of organizations and community-led efforts that give young people a place to connect with peers, local leaders, mentors, resources, opportunities to serve and give back.
Weekly Programs:
We believe skateboarding makes a better world.
SOLID Foundation ignites the potential of young people in our community, empowering them to become leaders and peacemakers through the transformative power of skateboarding, art and education.
Violent crime is declining.
Even still, Paterson is often listed as New Jersey’s 3rd most dangerous city.
No child should experience violence.
According to crimegrade.org, a person’s chance of being a victim of crime in some Paterson neighborhoods is 1 in 6. The reality is, we know many of our skaters, students and youth who participate at SOLID have experienced violence on some level, whether it was personally, in their home or in their neighborhood.
When we discuss solutions with our community, the most common answer we hear is: opportunity.
Our young people in Paterson crave opportunities for more - more opportunities to learn, to grow, to travel, to thrive, to maximize their potential. And, at SOLID, that’s where we excel.
“To me, when I think of SOLID, I think of a place of peace.”
— R.S. (13 year old student at SOLID Minds After-School Club)
VIOLENCE PREVENTION THROUGH OPPORTUNITY
SOLID programs offer opportunities to hundreds of amazing youth throughout the city of Paterson to:
Be inspired - with new forms of creative expression and fun
Connect - with our staff, volunteers and network of leaders
Feel supported - in their passions and life interests
Our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code
Every program we offer at SOLID is inspired by our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code which enables, mentors and equips young people to be PeaceMakers in society.
Understanding and respecting others is the foundation of our mission to end violence, unite and make the world a better place.
-
We share life skills, knowledge, experiences, meals together… life.
To share begins with a mindset. Do we believe our world is one of scarcity or that of abundance? The way we answer that question helps to determine our willingness to share with our neighbor.
-
As skateboarders, we fail hundreds (sometimes thousands) of times before we land a trick.
If we can keep pushing on a skateboard - let’s keep pushing in the rest of life: mind, body and spirit.
-
Life can be stressful.
Many of us find peace by grounding ourselves in a mindset of thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation.
-
At SOLID, we believe that some values can be life-giving while others can be harmful. More importantly, we push ourselves to take action, because, what good are those beliefs and ideas unless we do something?
SOLID’S S.K.A.T.E.R. Code is like seeds, which, when rooted and thriving, represent the belief in, and embodiment of these ideas.
Likewise, in this example, fruit and flowers are the result of actions taken. Increased action makes a difference in our world!
-
You got this! We believe in you.
As skateboarders we naturally cheer one another on - encouraging our fellow skaters to keep trying until we get it.
We share those positive words of encouragement beyond the skatepark - when at school, at work, learning, improving ourselves and serving others.
We can actually make a difference in the world and make it a better place!
And we do!
-
Respect is a two-way street. We offer respect to others even before we feel that we have earned their respect.
In Dr. Randy Woodley’s book of daily meditations, Becoming Rooted, he says, “Respect especially applies to those who are different than me. We sometimes spend too much time fearing difference. Yet respect gives me the courage to approach those different from me and to understand their thoughts, ways and concerns. What I fear in others, they may fear in me.” (p. 157)
SOLID on IG
