Facilitator & Stories

Voices from
the sole

The people who make Heart Kicks possible: the facilitator who holds the space, and the youth who bring their stories, shoes, and selves to every workshop.

01 — Stories from the Sole

Youth spotlight

Stories from Heart Kicks participants about their experience taking part in one of our workshops.

Dontrell holding a pair of white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers
Dontrell (he/him), 18

Why did you choose to restore these particular shoes?

My pair of shoes involves my oldest brother. I always looked up to him a little more than my other brothers. When he decided to turn himself into jail he started to clean out his room and found a pair of shoes which he gave to me. Wearing them served as a constant reminder to think of him and they've even seen me through a lot.

What did you learn from the Heart Kicks workshop?

During the workshop we were taught how our shoes connect us to things we love or remind us of things that are important. Because of the workshop I learned that I shouldn't diminish things that I once held dear, instead I should cherish them.

What was your favorite part?

When I talked about the fear of homophobia I had before coming out as Bi. Through coming out I learned that the whole world isn't against me, but I still know there are others who can't express themselves because of the people around them.

Saul holding a pair of blue and black Jordan sneakers
Saul (he/him), 18

Why did you choose to restore these particular shoes?

These were my first pair of Jordans I had ever gotten. Growing up in a single parent household shoes were never a priority, but I was given my first pair at the beginning of middle school and I felt like I was the coolest kid around. When they started to wear down I put them away, never forgetting what those shoes did for me.

What did you learn from the Heart Kicks workshop?

The shoe could be like the mind in the way that when a shoe gets worn out you can restore it, just like your mental health. The people I participated with really helped me see stories about life from another perspective.

What was your favorite part?

Definitely seeing the huge difference in my shoes. It was like seeing them again in the past. No more was it dirty but had a clean new start. It symbolizes for me that no matter how old I grow I will always hold on to the things that make me happy.

Jayden holding a pair of tan boots
Jayden (he/him), 18

Why did you choose to restore these particular shoes?

They've been with me through a lot, there isn't one specific story I could tell. Those shoes have seen me through some areas of my life and have seen me through growth and ups and downs.

What did you learn from the Heart Kicks workshop?

I learned that I deserve to be in the positions I'm in. Being in rooms where big decisions are made, or places that weren't necessarily built for Black people, it's tough to feel welcome — but I now understand the point isn't to feel welcomed, it's to break the mold until those who come after you feel welcome.

What was your favorite part?

Looking back on my life through the eyes of my shoes and thinking about all my past experiences and memories. Cleaning the shoes symbolized that it's time to go down more paths and make more memories… I might even have some bad times, but that's a part of life and we keep stepping.

02 — Heart Beats

Facilitator spotlight

Portrait of Kendra Grant, licensed clinician and Heart Kicks facilitator

Kendra Grant (they/them), LPCC, MS

Licensed clinician, sneakerhead, facilitator

What do you enjoy most about facilitating Heart Kicks workshops?

I love the integration of culture and mental health in a way that meets people where they are, is organic, and is meaningful. People are getting their needs met on multiple layers: socially, practically through shoe restoration, emotionally and mentally through mindfulness, communally by being connected to the culture.

In what ways do you connect mental health to shoes or restoration?

Shoes are a tangible representation of the journey we as Black folx have been on. Shoes tell stories, evoke feelings, connect us in ways that expand beyond words. Shoe restoration connects to mental health as a way for us to intentionally be present, reconnect to ourselves, change what's feasible, accept what we can't change, and make space for all the feelings that emerge in the process.

What impact have you seen Heart Kicks have on youth?

People seem to lose time — in a good way. They leave with smiles and feeling more connected to community and to themselves.