TAMPA, Fla. — Area youth participated in learning outside the classroom for Spring Break. They did it through a youth fishing organization that teaches kids the therapeutic aspects of fishing, called IMPowered Minds.
Jasen Glanton has been overseeing the program for three years.
“Every year it’s grown,” Glanton said. “They’re learning about fish conservation. They’re learning ethical angling, proper techniques of how to hold the fish. How to preserve the environment. I see an opportunity to grow because I don’t know it all.”
Glanton said fishing has always served as therapy for him, so he wants to pass along the benefits to kids who may need a healthy outlet.
“It’s taught me the true definition of patience. Not just waiting on something but having the right attitude while you wait. Our main message for kids is that if you can raise a kid’s self-image, you can raise their IQ. I was that 15-year-old who made some bad decisions. Losing a lot of people in life sometimes made me devalue myself. Feel bad about my future," he added.
The connection for many youths involved in the program resembles family.
“Jasen is like a big brother to me; he’s always been there for me,” Dorian Edwards said.
“I look to him as my uncle, and I think that he’s an awesome man,” Torrence Leath said. “He’s been my mentor through the loss of my dad, and he’s helped me through the things that happened. When I caught my biggest fish, I was sad that my dad wasn’t there to see it.”
Glanton said IMPowered Minds runs off donations of time and money. This year's program was funded through help from Aetna. To volunteer or donate funds, visit: https://www.impoweredminds.org/