$550 raised by 2 donors
2% complete
$30,000 Goal
The Born Strong Foundation was launched to build stronger leaders and communities through martial arts and practical self-defense, fostering violence prevention, anti-bullying, and character development in our structured programs.
Born Strong Martial Arts is dedicated to an underserved community we deeply care about. Executive Director and Co-Founder Glitter Rose has a background in Sales, Events, and Business Management, as well as Songwriting and Music Performance. She is an advanced martial artist, and a certified Krav Maga instructor. She assisted in opening two martial arts schools in East Dallas, served as Program Director for several years, and was later promoted to General Manager of three locations. Through this experience, she realized that the families who would benefit the most from martial arts training often cannot afford the costs. Like many sports, martial arts require ongoing expenses to progress, and she felt compelled to find a way to make this life skill essential training accessible to low-income and underserved youth.
Her husband and Co-Founder, Mikey Jaramillo, has worked in Special Education for 8+ years, and an advanced martial artist in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. His longstanding commitment to community service and youth empowerment was a driving force behind founding Born Strong to serve and uplift others.
Long time colleague, Black Belt and Amateur MMA fighter Neb Ermias, brings exceptional teachings skills, dedication, and leadership, having worked alongside Glitter for years in martial arts instruction. His role is key in shaping the program's technical excellence and positive learning environment.
Together, the team at Born Strong is committed to delivering high-quality, essential self-defense and martial arts training to a community that benefits greatly from the mental and physical wellness it provides. By building character through class discussions and offering programs like our Youth Leadership Volunteer Program, our students grow into leaders who advocate for stronger, safer communities. They gain the life skills needed to protect themselves and deescalate dangerous situations in high-crime neighborhoods, ultimately leading to less violence and stronger community unity.
Born Strong Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the community by offering accessible martial arts educational framework to underprivileged and low-income families. Our mission is to instill discipline, moral fortitude, and strong character in individuals by teaching the core values of respect, perseverance, and responsibility. Through our structured programs, we empower participants by enhancing their leadership skills, confidence, providing essential self-defense skills including but not limited to violence prevention, fostering anti-bullying, and a supportive environment for physical, mental, and emotional growth. By removing barriers to access, we aim to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people and the broader community.
Current Needs of Born Strong Foundation
Born Strong Foundation is currently seeking support to sustain and expand our programs that make martial arts accessible to underserved youth and families. Our most pressing need is funding for financial assistance, which allows us to continue providing full and partial scholarships so low-income children can participate without financial barriers. With 35% of our students receiving partial or full financial assistance, additional resources are critical to keep up with growing community demand.
We also need support to cover salaries for our instructors and staff, including future part-time roles that will enable us to maintain small class sizes and deliver high-quality, consistent instruction. As part of our long-term vision, we aim to hire from within by moving students in our Youth Leadership Volunteer Program into paid assistant roles, nurturing the next generation of community leaders and future instructors.
Funding is needed for equipment and uniform costs, ensuring all students have access to the proper gear, such as uniforms, belts, gloves, pads, and safety equipment. Additionally, support for facility costs, including rental fees and improvements at recreation centers to maintain safe, welcoming spaces as we grow.
To further our mission, we are seeking resources to expand programming through specialized outreach workshops for survivors of domestic violence, homeless youth, and residents of high-crime neighborhoods, along with free self-defense seminars and school partnerships. As our programs grow, we also require operational support for essential administrative needs, including technology, insurance, marketing materials, and tools to collect and track data that demonstrates our impact.
Finally, we hope to secure funding to enhance our Youth Leadership Volunteer Program, investing in leadership training, volunteer development, and structured mentorship that empower our students to become confident leaders and role models in their communities.
Born Strong Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, or ethnicity. Our organization does not discriminate in the administration of our educational programs, admission policies, financial assistance, hiring, or any other organizational activities.
We believe that martial arts should be accessible to everyone and that diversity strengthens our community. We actively promote equity, respect, and opportunity for all students, staff, and volunteers, ensuring that every participant has a fair and equal chance to thrive.
Organization name
Born Strong Foundation | Born Strong Martial Arts
other names
Born Strong Martial Arts
Causes
Youth & Children
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address