About Us
Who We Are
A Non-profit Organization
Reel Life, Inc.
Our Mission
Empowering the potential within every young individual, our mission is to cultivate resilience and personal growth through transformative outdoor experiences and a network of community-based resources. We are dedicated to providing mentorship beyond the ordinary, instilling patience, confidence, and integrity, equipping youth with tools to confront life’s challenges with unwavering strength and determination.
Our Impact
What We Do
At Reel Life, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering positive transformation in male youth aged 12-17 in foster care. Our unique mentoring program spans a full year, commencing in April 2023. Through a comprehensive curriculum, we leverage the therapeutic power of fishing and a diverse range of activities to instill crucial life skills and promote overall wellness.
Throughout the summer months, our program unfolds in three dynamic phases, focusing on water and boat safety, conservation practices, and the art of fishing. We believe in imparting not just skills, but also a profound understanding of environmental stewardship.
During the academic year, we continue our mission by engaging participants with captivating guest speakers, hands-on activities, and enriching field trips. Our commitment extends beyond advocacy; we aim to create a supportive community that empowers these young individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Reel Life, Inc. is more than a program; it’s a transformative journey towards personal growth and empowerment for the youth we serve.
Our Activites
- Group fishing (water activates)
- Fishing techniques and guidance
- Basics of boat operation & water safety
- Water navigation
- Conservation
- Nature exploration
- Group sessions (land actives)
- DNR classes
- Field trips
- Financial literacy
- Coding
- Culinary skills
- Community service
- Intro to small business
- Gym/recreation time & games
- Stress management
- Basic home and car repair
Who We Are
Our History
Anthony occasionally had the opportunity to drive “up north” and spend time at a cabin. This is where he first remembers being introduced to fishing and he was instantly “hooked.” Waking up at the cabin to beautiful scenery with a full day of fishing, boating, swimming, and playing was a wonderful experience for him. When Anthony’s children were born, he was excited to introduce them to nature and the cabin life too.
Eventually, Anthony was able to buy a fishing boat of his own and since that time has logged countless hours on the lake. He found himself reflecting on how fortunate he was to have had access to nature and discover fishing as a child, and all the ways in which it taught him important life skills. While fishing Anthony learned patience, perseverance, problem-solving, and how to just “be.” And perhaps most importantly, he realized how being on the water brought him peace and quieted his mind. It provided a sense of comfort, relaxation, and freedom from life’s stressors. Fishing has helped him with his anxiety and allowed him appreciate nature and its beauty.
Anthony realized these nature experiences are ones most disenfranchised children don’t get. Few even have the opportunity to ride in a boat or fish at all. And as a result, they don’t get the tools, learn the skills, or have the experiences to open their minds to nature and the world beyond their neighborhood as Anthony did. After a 25-year career as a juvenile probation officer Anthony had a desire to create a program with a more holistic and non-correctional approach to working with youth and communities. He combined his professional experience with his love for fishing and the outdoors to achieve that. Together with his wife, Meggan, they created Reel Life, Inc., a mentorship program for teen boys in foster care.
Meet Our Heroes
Our Leadership Team
Anthony Gardner
Founder/Executive Director
Mercedes Cox & Maggie
Board Member
Paula Haywood
Board Member
Rev. Paula Haywood, is a Hospital Chaplain in Columbus, Ohio. Her roots were established in North Minneapolis and she continues to dedicate her passion toward inner city youth. Her 34 years as a Hennepin County employee provided her with the appropriate compassion to make a difference in the lives of others wherever she goes.
Husniyah Dent Bradley
Board Member
Meggan Gardner
Board Member
Meggan is a life-long resident of the Twin Cities. She was raised in Minneapolis and attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work. After graduating she returned to the Twin Cities and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Augsburg College. Meggan started her Social Work career working at the Salvation Army’s Emergency Services for two years. For the last 21 years she’s been employed by Hennepin County working directly and indirectly with youth in foster care. Her experience includes being the social worker for youth in Long Term Foster care, a Child Protection worker working with parents, a Kinship Social Worker searching for and pre-licensing family and kin to care for youth in foster care, and most recently, working with teens who run away from home. Meggan also has experience working with sexually exploited and trafficked youth, as well as children’s mental health and developmental disability services. Meggan is married to Anthony and they live with their family in Ramsey County. In her free time Meggan enjoys home improvement projects (especially after they’re done), gardening, traveling, warm weather, and spending time with friends and family.
