February 15th, 2025
Welcome to the first edition of The SwingPals Insider!
This monthly newsletter is designed to keep the SwingPals community informed about our growth, impact, and exciting opportunities. We will share major updates, student success stories, and ways you can stay involved as we continue to empower the next generation.
BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING
A Major Investment in Durham – The City of Durham is committing nearly $1 million to upgrade practice areas at Hillandale Golf Course, giving more students access to the transformative power of SwingPals.
The SwingPals Center – Plans are underway to build a dedicated indoor facility at Hillandale, creating a year-round space for students to develop skills, confidence, and community.
Duke University Partnership – Collaboration between SwingPals and Duke researchers will strengthen our impact, measuring the effectiveness of our programs and guiding future innovation.
Welcoming Brian Nealon – Our new Director of Operations is bringing fresh leadership, ensuring SwingPals continues to grow and serve more students.
The SwingPals Educator Program - This new initiative is designed to help teachers create strong, supportive, and engaging classroom environments for their students and themselves. The pilot program, launched last school year, continues as a part of SwingPals’ Phase 3 expansion at Neal Middle School in Durham.
When feeling overwhelmed or distracted, try this quick grounding technique to bring yourself back to the present moment:
5 – Look around and name five things you can see.
4 – Touch four things around you (your chair, a book, your clothes, etc.).
3 – Listen for three sounds in your environment.
2 – Identify two things you can smell.
1 – Take one deep breath and focus on how it feels.
This exercise helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus—perfect for students before a big test or game!
A PARADIGM SHIFT: CREATING SPACE FOR GROWTH
At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful idea: kids thrive when given the space to explore, take risks, and grow. It is about fostering confidence, curiosity, and resilience—things many of us wish we had more of growing up. SwingPals is not just teaching students to play golf; we are changing the way they see themselves and the world around them.
HELP US KEEP GROWING
Your support fuels this work. Whether you are a volunteer, donor, or a friend of SwingPals, your commitment has made this vision possible. We invite you to stay engaged, spread the word, and be a part of the journey ahead.
Exciting new programs are in the works—stay tuned for announcements in future newsletters!
LOOKING AHEAD
The future is bright for SwingPals and the students we serve. We are committed to empowering children, engaging public administrators, and fostering a supportive community. With our new Director of Operations Brian Nealon joining the team, we are more ready than ever to elevate the SwingPals impact.
COMING SOON TO THE SWINGPALS INSIDER
SwingPals Spotlight – Meet the students, volunteers, and supporters making a difference in our community. Each month, we will feature an inspiring story that highlights the impact of SwingPals.
Where Are They Now? – SwingPals has been shaping lives for over a decade. In this section, we will catch up with past students to see how their journey with SwingPals has influenced their future.
Voices of SwingPals – Sometimes, the most powerful stories come straight from the students, parents, and educators we serve. This section will showcase the heart of our mission.
Every student deserves the chance to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Thanks to your support, we are creating that space and empowering the next generation together.
Doug Hodges, PGA
SwingPals, Executive Director and Founder
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