Open Court: Meeting Young People Where They Are

For the past three Friday nights, nearly 30 young people each night—boys and girls—have joined us at Open Court. They come to play basketball, spend time with friends, enjoy snacks, listen to music, and simply have a safe, positive place to be at the end of the week.

That may not look like a traditional mental health program, but that is exactly the point.

You can view my shared album on the web: Open Court 10.2

Culturally responsive mental health support begins by meeting young people in spaces where they already feel comfortable. Sometimes support happens in a counseling office. Other times, it happens on a basketball court—through movement, laughter, belonging, positive relationships, and an informal conversation with a trusted adult.

At a recent St. David’s Foundation grantee cohort meeting, Dr. Leon Caldwell of Equal Measure shared that one of his most meaningful therapy sessions with a teenager took place on a basketball court. That message stayed with me. It helped spark the decision to move forward with Open Court and reminded us that meaningful support does not always have to feel formal or clinical.

With support from St. David’s Foundation, Lions Legacy Community Development has been given the opportunity to explore what culturally responsive mental health can look like in our community. Open Court is also helping us return to our roots: using athletics, mentorship, and accessible community spaces to reach young people.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, participants received free wellness bags filled with simple tools for stress relief, encouragement, and goal-setting. Each bag included a journal, motivational pens, affirmation cards, positive wristbands, basketball stress balls, and small sensory and fidget items. These may seem like small things, but each one carries a message: take a breath, stay focused, write down your goals, believe in yourself, and know that you matter.

We are grateful to Lockhart ISD for making its gym available for us to reserve and giving us a place to connect with local students. As Open Court continues to grow, we would love to expand into the second gym so we can provide more space and additional activities while keeping the environment safe and welcoming.

We are also thankful for the community members who have offered to provide snacks, assist with setup, or simply be an additional helping hand in the gym. That support matters. Open Court is becoming more than a weekly basketball program—it is a community-supported space where young people can move, connect, decompress, and feel like they belong.

Thank you to St. David’s Foundation, Lockhart ISD, our volunteers, families, and every young person who has stepped onto the court with us. We are excited to continue learning, growing, and creating spaces that support the whole person.

To volunteer, contribute snacks or supplies, or learn more about Open Court, contact:

Curtis “Coach” Hawkins
📧 C.Hawkins@LionsLegacy.org
📞 512-200-2005