All of life’s lessons can’t be taught on a wrestling mat. But it’s a good place to start, according to leaders of Beat the Streets Providence.
Primarily set up for “at-risk” middle schoolers from urban neighborhoods, the nonprofit’s mission is to prepare adolescents and teens for success in school and life through athletics.
Wrestling is used as a hook to draw both boys and girls into a positive after-school environment, where they receive mandatory academic support, connect to mentors and engage in healthy physical activity. They learn about nutrition and general health and are given incentives to attend and succeed in school.
At no cost to students or their families, Beat the Streets teaches youngsters about discipline, perseverance, grit, how to be part of a team and self-confidence. Several hundred kids have gotten involved.
The organization has an annual budget of $300,000 – all received from individual donations and partnerships with local schools and community groups, said Robert Muniz, a former wrestler at Brown University who has been involved with the group since its creation in 2013. He worked his way up the organization from coach to executive director.
Joining Muniz on the leadership team is Ed German, director of coaches and families; Silas Murray, director of wrestling and mentoring; and Jacque Davis, director of women’s programming. The team works with a seven-member board of directors.
“It teaches [students] accountability, integrity and communications skills,” said Davis, also a former college wrestler who previously worked for a similar group in New York City. “They’re learning how to challenge themselves and, sometimes, to accept failure” in a constructive way.
The group has arrangements with some Providence high schools to use their gyms for the program.
“We also work with counselors and staff at the schools” to connect with students, Muniz said.
Billy Watterson, also a former wrestler at Brown University and a friend and teammate of Muniz, started Beat the Streets nearly six years ago. Muniz started volunteering as a coach and got more involved as time passed. In January, he replaced Watterson when he stepped down as executive director. Watterson still serves as an adviser to the board.
The organization receives about $200,000 a year in donations from supporters. The group also receives about $100,000 a year in support from local schools and community organizations, such as the YMCA and others.
Such programs can be a second family for kids, Muniz said, and it can have a lasting impact on their lives.
According to Beat the Streets, only 22 percent of young Rhode Island students are engaged in after-school programs.
Muniz got involved in a similar program while he was growing up in California. He appreciated it so much, he said, that he felt an obligation to do the same for youngsters.
“It affected my development,” he recalled. “When I got older, I thought I should pass it on.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Muniz
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Nonprofit youth wrestling
LOCATIONS: Moses Brown High School, Hope High School, Gilbert Stuart High School, all in Providence
EMPLOYEES: One full time, four part time
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2013
ANNUAL SALES: NA
Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.
