Who Are We?
THE TOGETHERNESS PROJECT is where healing meets connection—empowering the next generation to play, grow, and thrive through mentorship, movement, and mental fitness.
Why Pickleball, is the Perfect Sport for Today's Youth:
Pickleball is exploding in popularity—especially among young people—because it’s ridiculously fun, incredibly accessible, and builds more than just athletic skills. Blending elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, it offers fast-paced play on a small court where kids can rally quickly, learn easily, and have fun without years of coaching. With one in three teens reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, sports like pickleball provide more than just movement—they offer belonging, joy, and connection. It encourages teamwork, friendship, and emotional well-being through play.
Beyond fun, pickleball boosts cardiovascular health, hand-eye coordination, agility, and balance—helping kids stay active and burn energy in a screen-heavy world. Strategically, it trains young minds to think fast, anticipate, and adapt—skills that translate to life, school, and other sports. Unlike traditional sports that often require expensive gear or elite-level commitment, pickleball is affordable, inclusive, and instantly playable. A paddle and a few balls are all it takes. And because players of every age and ability can compete on the same court, it becomes a space where generations, backgrounds, and talent levels unite—leveling the playing field.
Most importantly, pickleball is a lifetime sport. Kids who start now can play into their 80s and 90s, building a love for active living and community that lasts. In a time when young people are craving connection and mentorship, pickleball is more than a game—it’s a gateway to healing, hope, and long-term resilience.
Helping young people move their bodies, train their minds, and heal their hearts—Together!
Melody Lovvorn
A Holistic Path for the Next Generation
The Togetherness Project began as a mission to bring hope, healing, and human connection to those walking through trauma, loss, and isolation. Over time, we’ve seen that the deepest transformation happens when people are seen, supported, and given tools to grow—not just emotionally, but in every part of life.
As our work has expanded, we’ve recognized an urgent need in the next generation—young people facing a mental health crisis, disconnection from community, and few spaces that nurture both their bodies and their minds. Over 40% of teens report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 24. But research shows that consistent mentorship, physical activity, and safe social environments significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.
That’s why we’re bringing together three powerful tools: pickleball, mentorship, and Eva.
Pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in America—is affordable, inclusive, and deeply social. It brings kids of all backgrounds together in one space, building teamwork, confidence, and joy. On the court, they’re mentored by caring adults who model resilience and belonging. Off the court, Eva provides 24/7 access to personalized emotional support, helping youth process stress, build self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills in a format that meets them right where they are.
This is more than a program—it’s a holistic ecosystem for physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Together, we’re cultivating connections, strengthening mental well-being, and planting seeds of hope for a generation that deserves to play, heal, grow, and thrive.
"By partnering with families, educators, community leaders, and compassionate individuals worldwide, we envision a future where trauma is met with understanding, healing is accessible to all, and children, teens, and families are empowered to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience."
Melody Lovvorn
We would love to hear from you!
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Email
melody@togethernessproject.com
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Phone
(205) 910-8973
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Physical Address
1500 1st Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Mailing Address:
130 Inverness Plaza, Suite 218
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Togetherness Project is a 501-C3 non-profit organization relying on monthly donors, corporations and organizations to help dedicated serving students in underserved Birmingham neighborhoods. Through pickleball, trusted mentorship, and 24/7 access to Eva—a trauma-informed digital mental fitness tool—students gain emotional support, leadership development, and a sense of belonging. The program fosters connection, reduces isolation, and helps youth build resilience on and off the court.
Copyright © 2025 Togetherness Project, Inc. All rights reserved.