Fighting for Healing: How Raising Shasta Is Helping Youth Reclaim Their Strength Through Boxing

At One SAFE Place, we understand that healing from domestic violence and sexual assault isn’t just about creating safety, it’s about rebuilding confidence, trust, and a connection to one’s own body and story. For youth, that process must be engaging, empowering, and community driven.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with Raising Shasta and support their trauma-informed boxing program at the Redding Teen Center – the Police Athletic League (PAL), a space where youth are reclaiming their strength, one punch at a time.

On April 5th, our CEO Kimberly Johnson is stepping into the ring as a “celebrity boxer” to help raise awareness and support for this vital program. Because for her, and for us, this is more than a match. It’s a movement.

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Why Boxing?

Boxing is often misunderstood. But in a structured, trauma-informed environment like the one created at Raising Shasta’s Redding Teen Center, boxing becomes so much more than a sport. It becomes a tool for healing.

• It gives youth an outlet for emotion. Trauma lives in the body—and boxing helps move it out in a healthy, powerful way¹.
• It restores a sense of agency. Every move in boxing is intentional. It reminds youth: you’re in control now².
• It builds resilience. Breathing through tension. Learning discipline. Showing up for yourself. These are life skills³.
• It fosters belonging. Coaches and peers offer connection, support, and positive role modeling in a safe space⁴.

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Why It’s Not Violence

We know what you might be thinking: “Isn’t boxing violent?”

The answer is no - not in this setting.
Violence is about harm, control, and fear.
Boxing, here, is about healing, discipline, and choice.

At the Redding Teen Center, youth work with bags, pads, and coaches to build strength and release tension. It’s safe, consent-based, and rooted in trauma-informed care.

This isn’t about aggression—it’s about channeling pain into strength and replacing trauma with empowerment⁵.

Why We’re in the Ring

One SAFE Place has working with Raising Shasta for years, and their commitment to youth and families shines through every program, Parent Partners, Catalyst Mentoring, their Redding and Anderson Teen Centers, Camp Hope, and more. The PAL program is another example of their heart-forward innovation.

At One SAFE Place, we believe healing takes many forms. And sometimes, that healing looks like a pair of gloves and a deep breath.

As Kimberly Johnson steps into the ring, she’s not just boxing, she’s standing in solidarity with every young person learning to fight for their future.

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📚 Sources

1. Counseling Directory. "Boxing for Trauma and Depression."
2. Shape Your Life Boxing Program.
3. University Affairs. “Boxing program helps women regain control of their bodies.”
4. Empire Fighting Chance. "Youth Boxing & Therapy Outcomes."
5. Van der Kolk, B. The Body Keeps the Score.

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