Every young person deserves a place where they can grow stronger — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
My name is William McCray, founder of Lift For Life Youth Foundation, a Metro Detroit nonprofit dedicated to helping youth ages 11–17 build confidence, discipline, and resilience through fitness, mentorship, and social-emotional development.
Lift For Life was created from a simple belief:
Fitness can change lives.
When I was 12 years old, I received my first weight set. That moment helped shape my path and gave me an outlet, structure, and purpose. Today, after 17 years as a professional trainer, I’ve made it my mission to give young people that same opportunity.
Right now, Lift For Life serves 40–50 kids each week, providing structured workouts, mentorship, and life-skills development. But we are currently operating without a permanent home.
Why We Need a Facility
Our goal is to create a dedicated training facility for youth — a safe and inspiring space where kids can:
• Train with proper strength and conditioning equipment
• Participate in structured after-school fitness programs
• Learn discipline, confidence, and goal setting
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Stay active and off the streets
A permanent facility would allow us to expand and serve hundreds of youth each year across Metro Detroit.
What the Facility Will Include
Your support will help us create a space that includes:
• Youth strength training equipment
• Turf area for athletic development
• Group fitness and mentorship space
• Study and life-skills area
• Locker and changing space for youth
• Safe transportation access for participants
This facility will become a community hub where young people can grow stronger in every area of life.
Why This Matters
Too many young people lack structured after-school opportunities and positive mentorship. Lift For Life provides both.
Through our program, kids learn:
• Discipline
• Accountability
• Confidence
• Healthy habits
• Leadership
These lessons go far beyond the gym.
How You Can Help
Your donation will help us secure and build out a permanent Lift For Life Youth Training Facility.
Every dollar brings us closer to creating a space where young people can build stronger bodies, stronger minds, and stronger futures.
If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and community.
Together, we can change lives — one rep at a time.
Donate Today and Help Us Lift the Next Generation.