Kelly Dunn for Lift For Life Gym!

Please support my fundraiser for Lift For Life Gym!

As a proud member of the Corporate Development Board for Lift for Life Gym, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact our organization has made on the lives of St. Louis youth since 1988. Our mission is centered on improving both the physical and mental well-being of children through a powerful combination of fitness training, consistent mentoring, and access to nutritious meals—at no cost to our members.

Serving more than 450 youth annually between the ages of 8 and 18, Lift for Life Gym offers daily, structured programming in Olympic-style weightlifting, powerlifting, and general strength and conditioning with a basketball court and weightlifting equipment. Our nationally recognized weightlifting team is just one example of how our youth excel when given access to opportunity.

But the Gym is much more than a fitness center—it’s a haven. Located at Cass Avenue and 14th Street in north St. Louis, our facility fills a critical gap in a neighborhood challenged by poverty, gun violence, and limited access to healthy food and after-school resources. We provide free round-trip transportation, ensuring our youth have safe and consistent access to our programs.

Our impact is built around three pillars:

• Movement: Daily fitness training promotes discipline, strength, and lifelong habits for health and wellness.

• Mentorship: Every teen is matched with a mentor who helps them explore their future through goal setting, career guidance, and college prep. Our College and Career Readiness Camp equips youth with the tools they need to thrive beyond the gym.

• Nutrition: Through our Evening Café, we provide over 250 balanced meals each week, meeting critical nutritional needs that too often go unmet in our community.

At its core, Lift for Life Gym is about empowerment. We strive to create a safe, consistent, and inspiring community where young people can build confidence, develop self-worth, and make choices that lead to a healthier, brighter future.

We are committed to continuing this essential work and invite our partners and supporters to join us in championing the potential of St. Louis’ youth.

“Lift for Life Gym is no ordinary program – it’s a family. The Gym has made a major impact on my life. I love Lift for Life Gym not only because they loved me and saved me but because they saved my brothers from a life the streets were offering. Lift for Life Gym offered me and my siblings so many opportunities to better ourselves. They helped my mom raise all six of us. They fed us when we were hungry, sheltered us when it was cold outside, and loved us unconditionally. Lift for Life Gym is an amazing place. So many members have come through those doors looking for love, support, and a home away from home – and that is exactly what they get.” 

- Jerrica, Lift for Life Gym alum