Rollin' From The Heart The Ian Poods Barry Foundation

Rollin’ From the Heart was founded by John, Alison, and Kiva Barry in honor of Ian “Poods” Barry. Ian was a young man in constant motion - skateboarding, surfing, hiking, camping, riding his motorcycle - these were just a few of the ways he always kept “rollin.” Ian was a true individual - he was intense about his passions, had a quiet, humble charm, and was full of love, kindness, and acceptance of others.

 

While Ian passed away in 2012, his legacy and values live on through Rollin’ From The Heart, a non-profit organization based in San Diego, CA that works with at-risk and disadvantaged youth and provides them with opportunities to participate in skateboarding, camping, and surfing. With weekly after-school programs held at schools and community centers, our goal is to promote a more healthy, active lifestyle and to encourage positive choices, while teaching valuable coping, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Through our peer mentors, we share our values of kindness, compassion, and tolerance and strive to instill confidence in those we serve to overcome personal barriers regardless of their economic, social, or mental health status.

 

As we work to grow our organization and carry on Ian’s legacy, we are raising funds to support three big goals that will help us serve more at-risk kids and communities in San Diego County:

 

Goal #1 - raise $25,000 to purchase a van so that Rollin’ From The Heart can transport additional kids to programs and activities throughout San Diego County

 

Goal #2 - raise an additional $15,000 to send 15 kids to the YMCA Lake Sequoia Skate Camp in 2022.  Skate Camp is a truly special and enriching experience for our kids and one of the highlights of Rollin' From The Heart's annual programming 

 

Goal #3 - raise an additional $10,000 to expand Rollin’ From The Heart’s programming throughout San Diego County, creating additional after-school programs and hiring additional staff/mentors

 

If you are in a position to donate or help us spread the word, we would be extremely grateful. We couldn't do what we do without your support and generosity - thank you for helping make a positive impact in our local communities and in the lives of the kids we serve.

Our Organization's Impact:

- Serving 150 participants weekly a tour after-school skate sessions
- Hosting after-school skate sessions 5 days a week at 7 locations in San Diego County
- Distributed 900 skateboard helmets to kids in our program
- Provided 54 full one-week “camperships” for our participants to attend Lake Sequoia YMCA Skate Camp
- Hosted 20 Career development days at local businesses with over 300 students
- Donated 2,500 pairs of new skate shoes to kids in our program
- Provided 5 graduating seniors from the Monarch School with College scholarships
- Served 700 hot meals to homeless families at the Monarch School

“Our students could see that the entire Rollin’ From The Heart team, not only held a huge passion for skating, but also for making the world a better place. They took care of every detail - from providing the boards, helmets, pads, and lunch and even left behind ramps and rails for our students to skate throughout the year.” - Katie Bradel, Volunteer Coordinator, The Monarch School

"Through Rollin' From the Heart's programs, our students are learning to communicate in a positive manner, encourage each other, and most importantly respecting themselves." - Oscar Torrico, Student Support Specialist, Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS)