PFO (Playing for Others) is a leadership training program that combines personal development, service and the arts to foster leaders who are confident, compassionate and creative.
Each year, our 9-month program brings together a diverse group of teens from across Charlotte to experience opportunities for learning, growth and personal transformation – not to mention dance parties, team competitions and a ton of fun.
PFO’s model for leadership training is rooted in our belief that personal development and self-awareness are key. Through building relationships with others who are different than we are, learning how to build a strong community and culture, expanding our comfort zones, and growing our confidence, we can become strong leaders of self and others. PFO offers a flexible and customizable program designed to help teens get as much out of their experience as possible, while still allowing them to find a healthy balance with school, work and other activities.
Once accepted to the program, teens and families receive a detailed schedule for the year, and PFO staff works with each family to create their teen’s personalized PFO package. All packages include three Retreats and monthly Deep Dive Dinners, but beyond that, each teen’s package speaks to their interests, works with their schedule, and expands their comfort zone. Read on for more details about what teens experience in PFO.
PFO teens receive interactive workshops in body language, creative play, communication, and the disability community as a whole, which gives them the perspective and awareness needed to better connect with their buddies and build authentic, lasting relationships. They play, laugh, create, express, and experience the arts together, getting to know one another with respect, compassion, acceptance, and inclusion.
PFO’s vision is to create a more compassionate world. The PFO program has continued to grow and evolve for more than 15 years of impact. To date, PFO has served more than 400 teens, 200 children with disabilities, and 150 community non-profits.
