Fishing for Life

Serving Youth Families, Veterans & Community Through Fishing and Outdoor Programs

Our vision is to use fishing and outdoor activities as a means of positively impacting lives, fostering personal growth, and building strong communities, and spiritually supporting those in need.

Goal One: Provide fishing trips and retreats for veterans facing physical, emotional, or economic challenges, offering them respite, camaraderie, and an opportunity for personal growth.

Goal Two: Offer faith-based Youth Fishing and Outdoor programs that provide instruction, leadership training and encourages youth to establish and strengthen a lasting relationship with Christ and the outdoors.

Goal Three: Expand our mentorship program, where experienced anglers guide and inspire young people, instilling in them a love for the outdoors and providing positive role models spiritual guidance.

Offered several opportunities for leadership team members to take trainings on software, database and fundraising.

As we reflect on the past year, we are immensely proud to share the incredible impact Fishing For Life has had in our communities. Through the dedication and hard work of our small but mighty team of 6 employees, both full and part-time, we have achieved remarkable results that have touched the lives of many. In the past year alone, we logged an impressive 9,447 hours of service dedicated to supporting our mission. These efforts have directly benefited 710 youth campers and 925 veteran participants across our eight dynamic programs. Our commitment to serving these individuals goes beyond mere numbers; it's about creating meaningful experiences that foster growth, healing, and connection. At Fishing For Life, we approach our work with a dual perspective: wider and deeper. We recognize the importance of reaching a broad audience while also delving deep into the lives of those we serve. In 2023, we made approximately 13,000 connections across the Midwest, extending our reach far and wide. But more importantly, we were able to forge deep, meaningful relationships with over 1,600 individuals, leaving a lasting impact that goes beyond the surface. Our motto, "where the Great Commission meets the great outdoors," encapsulates our belief in the transformative power of nature and community. Through our programs, we aim to not only provide recreational opportunities but also to instill values of stewardship, compassion, and faith. As we look ahead, we are energized and inspired by the possibilities that lie before us. With your continued support and partnership, we are confident that Fishing For Life will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals for years to come.