Our Beginning

L.A.U.N.C.H for Life was founded in 2021 by David Crisafi. David was raised in a fatherless home and experienced a young man's struggles without guidance from an engaged, positive male role model. During his late adolescence, David met a mentor who helped change the course of his life. Before his mentor passed a few decades later, David committed to "paying it forward". LAUNCH was born to support and guide young men aged 12-16 with the tools and community resources needed to succeed as men, realize their potential, and cultivate the same in others.

Just three years later in 2024, LAUNCH was nominated for and won the Community Champions Award for Organizations in Chesterfield Country, Virginia, for our community impact.

Our Why

We have a fatherless crisis in America, particularly in and around cities like Richmond, Virginia. The statistics are sobering for young men without fathers or engaged male role models:

71% of high school dropouts
85% of youth in prisons
60% of youth suicides
90% of all homeless and runaway children
2-3x more likely to commit crimes or experience behavioral or mental health challenges

We aim to break this cycle of negative outcomes through our programs, actions, and advocacy.

What We Do

Our programs equip young men with essential life skills, boost their confidence and self-worth, enhance resilience and compassion, and encourage them to make a difference in their community.

We operate 4 mentoring and support programs:

Junior - Our first-year group mentoring program for young men ages 12-16 begins with our annual 3-day camp in August. During the first year, we deliver active group experiences paired with value-based lessons that build belonging, trust, and connections. The year culminates with our annual Graduation event, recognizing the young men for their commitment and growth. The goal: lay a foundation for resilience, emotional competence, empathy, accountability, and motivation.
Graduate - Our second-year program builds on the Junior program and our team mentoring activities center on developing life skills through projects, hands-on learning, and community engagement opportunities. The goal: explore goal setting, enhance confidence and positive potential, and inspire responsibility, compassion, and self-worth.
Ambassador - This program begins in the third year and young men may remain in this program until age 20. Ambassadors engage in flash mentoring activities, focusing on leadership, volunteering/community engagement, and mentoring advocacy. Additionally, we help the young men explore life after high school including college, vocational, or military pathways. The goal: increase social capital, spur growth through advocacy and leadership opportunities, support pathway evaluation.
Family Engagement - We support moms and guardians of the young men through events and training. The goal: provide education, resources, community, and transportation to make things a bit easier.

How You Can Help?

As a grassroots organization without the backing of a national organization, our impact is made possible only through the generous support of donors who believe in our mission.

A recent study found that every $1 invested in quality youth mentoring programs yields a $3 return in benefits to society, at a minimum.

Contributions directly fund life-changing programs, mentor training, and essential resources to ensure young men needing positive male role models can grow into capable, compassionate, and confident adults.

We are always seeking corporate sponsors and partners to help us advance our mission.

Join us in making a lasting difference in their lives by supporting L.A.U.N.C.H for Life.

HELP YOUNG MEN RISE!

L.A.U.N.C.H boys into adulthood with compassion, resilience, and self-worth