Our Leader & CEO

Steven Lee Matthews, a Greensboro native, true welterweight champion, exemplifies resilience and dedication. Serving as a United States Army Sergeant at just 19 during the 2003 Iraqi Enduring Freedom War, Matthews embodies these qualities. Today, he channels the discipline and leadership honed in the military into groundbreaking social entrepreneurship, making a lasting impact on the youth of North Carolina. Matthews’ intentional shift to social entrepreneurship is encapsulated in his motto, 

From the Ring to the Community

Matthews’ intentional shift to social entrepreneurship is encapsulated in his motto, "I fought for my country, therefore I am obligated to fight for my community." This philosophy extends beyond the ring, aiming to support youth with two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) indicators. In 2015, Matthews founded Punch4Pounds KIDS at the Macedonia Family Resource Center in High Point, N.C. This initiative has since evolved into a formidable social enterprise operating under Through Us For Him (TUFH), a for-profit organization, and Empowering Communities From Within, Inc. (ECFW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The mission is clear: "Developing today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders through combat sports, the selfless service of mentoring, and the advocacy of healthy thinking." The program, now housed in a 2,000 square foot facility, offers afterschool and summer programs that integrate academic support with boxing training.

Punch4Pounds is not just about boxing; it is a self-sustaining social enterprise model designed to interrupt gang and gun violence. By engaging at-risk youth, mediating conflicts, and preventing retaliatory violence, Punch4Pounds offers an alternative path through its conflict resolution module. This holistic approach combines physical development with character building, promoting independence, self-control, and mental discipline.

A Beacon of Hope

 Over the years, Punch4Pounds has secured contracts with schools, government, and community agencies, underscoring its significant impact to creating safer, thriving neighborhoods. Since 2023, Punch4Pounds KIDS has reached over 750 youth, thanks to strategic partnerships with Communities in Schools of Greensboro, Guilford, and Forsyth County Public Schools, The Point College Preparatory & Leadership Academy of High Point, and NC Works. This network allows the program to serve youth ages 4-24, providing crucial wraparound services to their families. His non-traditional approach extends this life-changing experience to students in multiple schools, showcasing unparalleled fiscal sustainability.

 

In 2023, the Office of the Community Safety recognized Punch4Pounds as the lead Community-Based Organization (CBO) in the Cities United initiative. This initiative focuses on violence prevention and intervention, specifically targeting suicide, homicide, and gun violence among Black men and boys aged 8-28.

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In 2024, ECFW, under Matthews' leadership, was selected by Cities United, in partnership with the Prevention Institute, to join the inaugural Strategies for Youth and Neighborhood Centered Safety (SYNC Safety) Learning Community, an impactful initiative dedicated to enhancing safety and preventing violence in Black and Brown communities. Matthews also completed Duke University’s Non-Profit Management Certification in 2024, further solidifying his expertise in leading impactful community initiatives.

Leadership and Advocacy

Steven’s commitment to his community extends beyond the walls of his gym. In 2018, he spearheaded a community cleanup in District 1 after a devastating tornado. He is an active member of several boards, including Triad Health Project and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and hosts “RingTalk,” a weekly community awareness segment on Facebook Live. This platform brings together political leaders, entrepreneurs, and mental health professionals to discuss critical issues affecting the community.

Recognitions and Accolades

Matthews' relentless dedication has earned him numerous awards, including:

• 2020 -Community Service Award Recipient

• 2021 -Award of Excellence

• 2022 -Leadership Greensboro Servant Leader Recipient

• 2023 -Community Services Honoree by The Huami Magazine

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