(NOV 1) The road to success often feels like a solitary fight, especially for foster kids who face overwhelming challenges. In a world where 400,000 young people are caught in the foster care system, the odds are stacked against them. Many foster kids dream of attending college, yet less than 10% ever get the chance to walk through those doors, and fewer still graduate. But in the face of these stark realities, there's hope—and it's called Home of Champions (HOC).

Founded by Judith Halbreich, a youth activist and social worker, Home of Champions is a unique program based in New Paltz, NY, that blends boxing’s discipline with leadership and education. HOC isn’t just another non-profit—it’s a game-changer. Located on the historic property of boxing legend Floyd Patterson, it’s a place where the legacy of champions like Muhammad Ali, Ingemar Johansson, and Patterson himself inspires a new generation to fight for their futures.

The Dream of Home of Champions

Judith Halbreich’s vision for HOC was born from her years of social work, particularly a life-changing call from a former foster child she once mentored. Lola, now the director of a drug rehabilitation center in the Bronx, reached out to thank Judith for believing in her potential when the odds were against her. Her gratitude was a spark that ignited the mission of Home of Champions: to offer foster youth a home base, guiding them from survival mode to thriving in college and life.

Judith had been searching for the perfect place since 2015. After considering various options, she found the answer in the home of Floyd Patterson. Negotiations with Patterson’s daughter, Jennifer, sealed the deal, as she recognized that HOC was the kind of legacy her father would have wanted to leave behind. "This is what my father would have wanted," Jennifer said. The property still holds the original ring where Patterson trained with legends like Ali and George Foreman. It is more than just a building; it is a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and greatness.

A Mission with a Punch

At the core of Home of Champions is a mission to embolden foster youth by providing them with leadership skills and independent living resources. It’s about helping these young people reach their full potential, not just academically, but as role models and leaders. HOC teaches the discipline of boxing—not just as a sport, but as a metaphor for life. As Muhammad Ali once said, "Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision."

The leadership summits held at HOC offer practical life skills, mentorship, and a consortium of business connections, all aimed at ensuring that these young adults have the tools to succeed beyond college. HOC is about building more than just careers—it's about building leaders.

The story of Home of Champions is one of legacy, leadership, and the undeniable power of the human spirit. The kids who come through these doors are fighters in every sense of the word, and with the right support, they will win their battles—both in life and in the world at large.

At Home of Champions, we believe in every child’s potential to be great.. and as Floyd Patterson once proved, sometimes all you need is a chance to fight for it.

The Vision: Empowerment Through Legacy

Judith’s vision for HOC extends far beyond boxing. While the physical boxing ring symbolizes strength and resilience, the real fight happens outside the ring, in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Judith wants to create award-winning independent living skills programs in New York City, further expanding HOC’s reach to foster youth who are just beginning their journey into adulthood. PDF Info on Home of Champions

Patterson’s story resonates with the youth who come to Home of Champions. He started with nothing, faced incredible adversity, and fought his way to the top—just like these foster youth are fighting to carve out their own paths. The history of the place, rich with boxing legends, is a powerful reminder to the kids that greatness is possible, no matter where you start.

The Ask: Join the Fight

No champion fights alone. Home of Champions needs support to continue its work and grow its programs. Judith’s dream is to restore the property to its heyday, to create a space that fully reflects the glory of Patterson’s legacy. With enough time and funding, this historical landmark will serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

We are asking the community to step into the ring with us. Whether through financial support, mentorship, or being an ambassador to spread the word about our mission, there are so many ways to get involved.

Contact JUDITH HALBREICH at judith.halbreich@gmail.com
Tomorrow’s leaders are training today in a ring that has seen the greatest. With your help, these young champions can change their futures, and in turn, change the world.

WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook

WBAN / IWBHF WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.womenboxingrecords.com
www.wban2012.com
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
www.wban.tv
WBAN's Group Facebook