A place to grow healthy A place to build physical strength and self-confidence

Children, teens and young adults who are enrolled in the boxing program are taught physical, mental and spiritual endurance and strength. The experienced coaches are passionate about training young people in the “sweet science” at all levels and abilities, and providing a safe, structured and supervised athletic experience.

Juan Barrera runs Red Shield’s boxing program and this will mark his 15th season coaching. Like many of the kids at the Red Shield, Barrera started learning how to box at a young age.

“My dad was a fighter and started showing me boxing moves when I was 4-years-old, but I didn’t start [organized] boxing until I was 15,” said Barrera.

He was drawn to the challenging nature of the sport and to the camaraderie of training with other young boxers.

Barrera hung up the gloves at age 20 but couldn’t stay away from the sport for too long. He felt a burning desire to be a mentor and leader to the kids in south Modesto.

“I grew up in the neighborhood at the Red Shield,” he said. “It’s given me structure. The kids are depending on me to show up. I have to set an example, too. It keeps me grounded.”

The benefits of boxing go far beyond the physical, said Barrera.

“It’s not just about boxing,” Barrera said. “It builds their self-esteem and confidence. It’s good for stress. It gives them discipline.”

“It’s easy to stay home and play video games and watch TV,” he added. “These kids choose to come to the gym and work out. We want to see them become champions in life.”

The boxing program is open for boys and girls 6 to 18 years old.

Boxing

The award-winning boxing program is staffed with knowledgeable coaches who work with the children, teens and adults to develop basic boxing skills, sportsmanship and physical fitness. The funding for this program costs $64,700.

The fitness room at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center provides community members and students alike with the opportunity to focus on their fitness and physical health while in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The fitness center has first-class cardio and weight training equipment, like incline treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes and a variety of cable machines.

After school, the center’s fitness room is open to kids 16 and older, or those younger than 16 can enter with an adult. A lot of kids utilize the weight room just to get exercise in, Red Shield Center Director Maria Arellano said, or they join programs, like boxing, that take place in the fitness room.

Before students arrive in the after- noon, adult community members also utilize the fitness room, which offers Zumba and bootcamp classes as well. Individuals are able to purchase fitness class passes via the Red Shield website, and attend courses led by instructors. The facilities hours between 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fitness Programs

The Red Shield Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as Zoomba and bootcamp programs for adults. The funding needed for this program is $26,130.