About Us
Our Mission
At BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., we empower young minds by fostering physical, mental, and social growth. Through diverse experiences, we inspire youth to dream big, think boldly, and reach their full potential.
Welcome to Big Dreams Youth!
Our Story
Founded by Brendan May in 2020, BFIT Big Dreams Youth began as a response to the health disparities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. What started with a small grant from Its4Kids has grown into a thriving initiative, thanks to partnerships with Walmart, Charlotte Resiliency, United Way, and more.
Our Impact
Since 2021, we’ve expanded our reach through fitness and educational programs, strengthened community partnerships, and secured key support from organizations like the City of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County ABC Board.
Join Us
Serving Charlotte’s youth, BFIT is transforming lives through academic support, fitness, and social-emotional development. Together, we can inspire the next generation to dream big and achieve greatness!
Accountability Statement
BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. Accountability Statement
At BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in all our operations. We hold ourselves accountable to our community, donors, and program participants by ensuring that every action we take aligns with our mission to support youth development through education, exercise, and exposure
We pledge to:
- Use resources responsibly, ensuring donations and funding are applied directly to the programs that serve our youth.
- Maintain transparency through regular reporting and open communication about how we use financial and operational resources.
- Continuously evaluate our programs to ensure they are delivering measurable, positive outcomes and evolving to meet the needs of our community.
By holding ourselves to these principles, we ensure that BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. remains a trusted, impactful force in empowering youth and supporting their dreams.. Any further questions please feel free to reach out directly to Big Dreams at bfitbigdreams@gmail.com
Our Team
Brendan May
Brendan May, Executive Director of BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., has led the organization for four years, focusing on youth development through alternative learning opportunities. With expertise in exercise science, social-emotional learning, and substance abuse prevention, he has driven growth by integrating wellness and education into programs for underserved youth. Under his leadership, BFIT’s after-school and summer initiatives have expanded, providing transformative experiences centered on education, exercise, and family engagement.
Amber Hoff - Board Chair
Amber Hoff is an elementary school Literacy teacher and the proud Director of BFIT BIG Dreams Inc. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Urban Youth & Communities. Her passion lies in empowering underserved youth and fostering positive change within the community. For the past four years, she has dedicated her work to providing diverse experiences that support the social, mental, and physical growth of disadvantaged children. Deeply committed to equity, social justice, she encourages & engages in meaningful conversations around systemic racism and privilege . Personal & academic contributions include recognitions such as UNCC’s Citizen Award and Outstanding Community Support recognition. Through education and action, she strives to create lasting social change, promoting empathy and love for all.
Marian Myers - Board Secretary
Ms. Marian Myers has been a dedicated resident of Charlotte, NC for 30 years and holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). As a certified teacher, she has taught Career and Technical Education at Northridge Middle School for 11 years. Her involvement extends beyond the classroom, participating in programs such as Tutoring Scholars, Beginning Teachers Mentoring, and NCCAT Professional Learning. Ms. Myers brings a wealth of community engagement experience, having collaborated with organizations like National PTA and Junior Achievement, showcasing her strong leadership and teamwork skills.
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Terence Lee Cunningham Jr. - Board Member
Terence Cunningham Jr., a native of Charlotte, NC, brings a wealth of experience in athletics and education to his role as a Strength Training Teacher at Harding University High School. With a B.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Union University and a Master’s in Recreation & Sports Science from Ohio University, Terence also served eight years in the U.S. Army. His dedication to student development is evident through his ongoing work in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system since 2014. Terence lives in Mount Holly, NC, with his family, continuing to inspire and impact young lives through education and sports.
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Laurie Sman - Treasurer
Laurie Sman serves as the Treasurer for BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., bringing a strong background in business administration and accounting. She has extensive financial experience from her roles at Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) and RBC Royal Bank. Laurie later transitioned into the hospitality industry, where she successfully managed a restaurant for ten years before launching her own business. Her expertise in budgeting, planning, and management ensures that she fulfills the responsibilities of the Treasurer with dedication and precision.
Join Us
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with Big Dreams Youth.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
