Jim White, of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, was teaching an evening boot camp to clients at the Virginia Beach oceanfront when he was taken aback by the homeless people sleeping on benches, living in despair and inactive.

It was in that moment that LIFT was born. LIFT, which stands for Lifting spirits, Improving bodies, Feeding souls and Transforming lives, is “a program that incorporates nutrition education, exercise and motivation to help people in need get back on their feet. Jim knew the power fitness and healthy nutrition had on someone’s life and how a little motivation can help change anyone’s life,” says Krista White, Jim’s wife and the co-founder of LIFT.

LIFT is a 90 day program that cycles up to 4 times a year. In each LIFT session there are a maximum of 20 athletes (participants) from agencies that house and/or care for the homeless population. LIFT has worked with PiN Ministries, the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, The Beach House and Salvation Army.

The feedback from those in need when confronted with the idea of committing to LIFT might be a surprise to most. Krista has found that “people who are at the depths of despair deserve a break, an opportunity, a chance, a lift in the right direction. Some were never given hope, never lead, never taught to believe in themselves. We do just that. Our Athletes love the program!”

The 90 day program is designed with the four principles of LIFT as the epicenter of everything.

Virginia Beach, Va. – If you`ve walked along the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, you`ve more than likely seen them– images of poverty and homelessness.

According to the City of Virginia Beach, there are nearly 500 homeless people living in Virginia Beach but there are 30,000 living in poverty in the city. Most of those folks have no permanent place to call home.

That was John Viand just a few months ago.

“I didn’t care about myself for a long time. And when I don’t care about me, I don’t care about anyone else,” says John.

Heavy drinking had taken its toll. He lost a good paying job and that’s not all.

“I was devastated. I had already lost my family,” says John.

And before he knew it, he was living on the street.

But life was about to take an unexpected turn. He saw a flier for a program call Lift while he was staying at the Salvation Army.

Virginia Beach Fitness Studio owner Jim White started the Lift program three years ago and it’s helped 100 people go from helpless to hopeful.

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