Little did I know four weeks ago when I set out to take pictures for Aroma’s Village Coffee, that one of the people I would meet would make a lasting impression on me and be at the forefront of helping our community. I tried to connect on him Facebook, and messenger, but it was a teen that had worked out with him that finally made the connection for me. When I arrived at Da KaGe, a small garage/warehouse with wall balls, weights, resistance bands, a garage door swung open and a small fan, there was a cross-fit class of teenage girls working hard mid July 95 degree day. I couldn’t help but think they had to be glad I was there to distract their coach for a few minutes so that they would take a break. I was there for his story, so I began asking questions. With another meeting for pictures, several texts and phone calls trying to get it right, everything was finalized this week. How ironic that when our community needs someone to reach our youth, we find a coach who’s been here all along and needs our support.
He answers to Swatteam, Swat, and Jamar Crawford, but he’s best known as Hoot. Born in Greenwood and living on the streets, Hoot- with his smart mouth and attitude- was racing headlong down the wrong path, until he came to a screeching halt. “I became a christian; I became a new man and I changed my life.”
While working as a trainer at the YMCA, he witnessed the struggle of inner city youths who couldn’t find a way to get across town, much less afford the membership fee to the facility. , Unsure of how he’d raise support, Hoot trusted God and set out on his own, taking on paying clients to help fund his Cross-fit class for any teens who wanted to train with him.
As Hoot continued to dedicate more time to the struggling youths of Greenwood, word of mouth on the streets brought in more kids. He began mentoring them, telling his own story of how he escaped the streets and turned his life around. Because Hoot speaks their language and knows where they’re coming from, he is able to form bonds with the teens.
Over the past few years, he’s funded his fitness facility with a small “Go Fund Me” account and hot dog fundraisers. With an ever increasing stream of interested teens, in July of 2018 Hoot completed the paperwork to became a non-profit under the 501(c)(3) requirements. “We are now known as Next Level Lifestyle; we take anyone that walks through our doors and help them get to the next level in their life.” Saving our youth is his passion. “We moved to a new location this week which is three times the size of our old one with the same rent, and we’re keeping the name Da KaGe. Man, God is good.” He goes on to say, “People know what I’m doing, they see the kids I’m helping, and they want to know how to help, setting up as a non-profit was something we had to do to keep growing like we are.”
Of the kids Hoot helps, 90% are inner city teens. With the recent violence and shootings in Greenwood we are all looking to one another, knowing something needs to be done. Hoot is in the midst of these kids; he speaks their language; they trust and listen to him. On the day I visited the KaGe, I saw them gather into a circle, arms around one another, and pray. I got a front row seat to their strenuous workouts, but most importantly I saw how they love and respect Hoot. If we want to help Greenwood, we need to support people like Hoot.
To learn more follow him on Facebook: Swatteam Swat
Donations can be made to Next Level Lifestyle 1715 Hwy 72-221 East, Greenwood, SC 29649 (website coming soon)