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Active & Healthy
Structured sports and recreation give youth a positive outlet, improve wellness, and teach teamwork.
Minnesota youth nonprofit
Helping young people break through barriers and reach their potential.
Breaking Through Barriers creates safe, positive opportunities for youth ages 11–17 through sports, mentorship, leadership development, and community connection.
11–17Youth ages served
5+Minnesota counties
50Youth program goal
Sports • Mentorship • Leadership
Stronger youth. Stronger communities.
We use teamwork, trusted adult relationships, and structured activities to help young people build confidence and belonging.
Community-centered
Safe & supportive
Youth-focused
Family-connected
Who we are
Opening doors for Minnesota youth.
Breaking Through Barriers is a youth-focused nonprofit serving young people and families across the Twin Cities metro and surrounding communities. Our goal is to reduce barriers to healthy activities, trusted mentorship, leadership opportunities, and positive peer connections.
We believe every young person deserves a safe place to belong, adults who believe in them, and opportunities to discover their strengths.
Community leadership
Directed by Ahmed, Breaking Through Barriers is building partnerships with families, schools, gyms, cities, funders, and community organizations to expand positive opportunities for youth.
Our mission
Empower youth through opportunity, connection, and growth.
Our programs are designed to strengthen confidence, teamwork, responsibility, health, and community involvement.
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Connected & Supported
Mentorship and caring relationships help youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
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Ready to Lead
Leadership activities help young people build communication, responsibility, confidence, and goal-setting skills.
Programs
Programs built around what youth need to thrive.
Sports
Basketball
Skill-building, open gym, team play, tournaments, sportsmanship, and positive coaching.
Sports
Soccer
Recreation and competitive play that develops fitness, teamwork, confidence, and discipline.
Growth
Mentorship
Positive adult guidance, check-ins, goal setting, encouragement, and life-skills support.
Future
Leadership & Life Skills
Communication, responsibility, teamwork, decision-making, community service, and future planning.
Our reach
Starting local. Building long-term impact.
Our initial service area includes Anoka, Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, and Hennepin counties, with room to support nearby communities as partnerships grow.
50Initial youth participation goal
5+Core counties served
4Program focus areas
1Goal: stronger futures
Get involved
There is a place for you in this work.
For Families
Interested in enrolling a young person in our activities? Join our interest list and receive program updates.
Youth interest form →Volunteer
Coaches, mentors, event volunteers, and community supporters can help create meaningful experiences for youth.
Volunteer with us →Partner With Us
Schools, cities, gyms, businesses, funders, and community organizations can help expand our reach.
Become a partner →
Support the mission
Your support creates opportunity.
Donations can help cover gym access, sports equipment, uniforms, transportation, program supplies, meals, mentorship activities, and youth events.
Make an impact
Request Donation Information Your secure online donation button can be activated as soon as your preferred donation processor is connected. Do not enter payment information on this demo website.
Organization information
Built to serve Minnesota communities.
OrganizationBreaking Through Barriers
Public listing address242 W Franklin Ave Apt 101, Minneapolis, MN 55404
ClassificationCharitable / Educational organization
Public ruling dateFebruary 2021
Public listing information should be confirmed against current IRS and Minnesota records before fundraising materials state that donations are tax-deductible.
Frequently asked questions
What families and supporters may want to know.
What ages do you serve?
Breaking Through Barriers is designed primarily for youth ages 11–17.
Where do programs take place?
Programs are planned across the Twin Cities metro and surrounding communities, depending on gym, field, school, and partner availability.
What activities do you offer?
Our core focus includes basketball, soccer, mentorship, leadership development, life skills, community service, and special youth events.
Can organizations partner with you?
Yes. We welcome conversations with schools, cities, businesses, funders, gyms, faith and community organizations, and other youth-serving partners.
Contact us
Connect with Breaking Through Barriers.
Use this form for youth enrollment interest, volunteering, partnerships, donations, or general questions.
Serving Minnesota
Anoka • Ramsey • Dakota • Scott • Hennepin • Nearby communities
Help a young person break through a barrier.
Join, volunteer, partner, or support the mission.
Get Started
Privacy
Do not submit sensitive medical, financial, or confidential youth information through the public contact form. Information submitted through a connected form service should be handled only for program communication and organizational follow-up.
Accessibility
Breaking Through Barriers is committed to making program information accessible. Contact the organization if you need information in an alternate format or an accommodation related to participation.
Youth Safety
Program participation should use appropriate registration, parent or guardian consent, emergency contacts, and organization-approved safety procedures. Public website forms should not collect unnecessary sensitive information from minors.