The U-District Foundation emerged in 2006 when the owners of U-DistrictPT, a Spokane-based physical therapy and performance training clinic, recognized an opportunity to make a broader impact in their community. The Foundation launched with a clear mission: inspiring children to embrace healthy lifestyles through comprehensive coaching on nutrition, physical activity, and goal-setting.

Building on successful initiatives including fitness camps, physical education program support, community fun runs, and scholarship opportunities, founder Jeff Hart recognized the potential for deeper youth engagement. He entrusted this vision to Mike Sacco, who established the mentoring program in 2011 and guided its growth for 13 years. Through extensive research into best practices, comprehensive policy development, strategic partnership building, and resource acquisition, the program rapidly evolved into an essential resource for Spokane's youth.

The Mentoring Program’s track record demonstrates meaningful success. We have facilitated over 110 matches just within our community-based program between dedicated adults and children who benefit from mentorship, with nearly all participants completing our minimum 18-month commitment. We attribute these exceptional match durations to our distinctive matching process. Unlike other area mentoring programs that maintain waiting lists, we invest time in thoroughly understanding our mentors before collaborating with school counselors to identify students based on shared interests, personalities, and experiences.

In 2024 the Mentoring Program expanded to offer site-based mentoring. This program was specifically designed to serve students who lack consistent adult support in their lives. Unlike our community-based program, which requires some level of parent or guardian participation, our site-based initiative removes these barriers entirely. This allows us to connect with and support the most vulnerable children—those who may not have any stable adult relationships outside of school. By meeting students where they are and eliminating participation requirements that might exclude the neediest children, we ensure that even those with the least family support can access the transformative power of mentorship.

Our goal is simple; offer consistent support to the at risk youth of Spokane. With each new match, we get one step closer.