Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Jumping Dreams: More Than Just a Rope
In 2017, a sibling duo’s passion for jump rope became a lifeline for countless youth across the greater Charlotte area. Angelicka Crawfor and Dominique Artis didn’t set out to start a nonprofit—they set out to make a difference, one jump at a time.
​
They saw what others often missed: many children weren’t falling behind due to a lack of talent or potential, but because they lacked support, mentorship, and safe spaces to grow. Jumping Dreams was created to become that space.
​
Rooted in what they knew and lived, Jumping Dreams grew into more than a jump rope program. Today, we offer four core programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. Jumping Dreams Academy provides after-school care at partner schools, offering childcare, daily snacks, homework assistance, and structured enrichment activities. Family Fitness Fun, held monthly, brings families together to learn, grow, and build healthy habits as a community. Dreamers to Leaders prepares 8th–12th grade youth for the workforce through hands-on training and real-world experience. Jumping Dreams Double Dutch, our competitive and performance-based program, builds confidence, endurance, teamwork, and good citizenship one rope at a time.
​
For many youth, Jumping Dreams is the first place they’ve truly felt seen. We serve children navigating trauma, academic challenges, and emotional isolation. Here, they find mentors who believe in them, teammates who feel like family, and a positive outlet that turns energy into purpose.
​
We’ve watched once-shy participants grow into confident performers. We’ve seen teens step into leadership roles, become youth mentors, and pursue higher education many as the first in their families to do so.
​
Jumping Dreams isn’t just about jump rope. It’s about elevating youth to dream bigger, reach higher, and lead stronger.
Creating Opportunities That Change Lives
​
At Jumping Dreams, we believe that exposure to new experiences is just as critical as building confidence and skills. We are proud to provide life-changing opportunities that empower our young people to dream bigger, achieve more, and see new possibilities for their futures.
Through their journey with us, our youth have had the opportunity to:
​
-
Visit college campuses across the region, sparking early college and career exploration
-
Perform at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City, showcasing their talents on one of the world’s most iconic stages
-
Build lifelong connections through meaningful friendships and mentorships
-
Be featured on the nationally televised series Making Good, sharing their stories and inspiring a wider audience
-
Travel for the first time, gaining independence, and creating unforgettable memories
​
These experiences do more than strengthen résumés; they build hope, pride, and vision. They show our young people that their voices matter, their talents are valuable, and their dreams are worth pursuing.
​
At Jumping Dreams, we don’t just teach jump rope or supervise youth—we open doors, expand horizons, and help young people grow bold visions for their lives.
