About S.A.F.E.
Our Mission
Smart Activities for Fitness and Education's (S.A.F.E.) mission is to engage and actively involve youth, ages 6 to 18 years, living in the District of Columbia in tennis, recreation, and educational enrichment activities that build character, enhance self-esteem, and improve academic performance.
S.A.F.E. accomplishes this mission by:
Introducing youth to organized tennis and educational enrichment programs.
Supplementing organized programs with one-on-one mentoring
Involving youth in structured after-school and summer activities.
Creating programming that strengthens families and engages parents and caretakers.
Teaching youth the principles of accountability, responsibility, and self-esteem
Our Vision
S.A.F.E. has a vision in which youth are "Serving Up Success." Our mission is a direct reflection of our vision and sets the framework for our programming and activities. The vision includes helping youth achieve success in ten areas:
Physical Fitness – get youth moving, active, and in shape/fit.
Education – to develop well-spoken youth who perform beyond their grade level.
Athletics – develop youth who are trained, skilled, and competitive.
Goal Setting – develop youth to set and achieve short, medium, and long-term goals.
Mental Strength – to develop youth that are focused, determined, and confident.
Enjoyment – to develop youth that have fun in whatever endeavor they undertake.
Exposure – to develop youth willing to be exposed to and learn from positive activities, people, and places.
Mastery – to develop youth who become an authority or achieve the maximum potential in an area of their life.
Discipline – to develop youth who are orderly, self-controlled, and demonstrate strong moral character.
Growth – to develop youth who continue to increase in maturity, wisdom, and stature.
Executive Director
Carroll “Spyke” Henry
S.A.F.E. was established in 1993 by Carroll "Spyke" Henry, a visionary who recognized the urgent need for quality, affordable, and engaging activities for the youth of Washington, D.C. As a lifelong resident of the District, Mr. Henry saw firsthand the challenges faced by the community's youth, particularly the lack of positive outlets for their energy and potential. His passion for tennis, combined with his commitment to youth empowerment, inspired him to create S.A.F.E.—a program designed to foster both athletic and personal growth.
Mr. Henry's vision was to build a safe haven where young people could not only develop their skills in tennis but also learn valuable life lessons in discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Under his leadership, S.A.F.E. has become a vibrant community organization, offering structured activities that engage the mind and body, encouraging young people to strive for excellence both on and off the court. The program's success is a testament to Mr. Henry's unwavering dedication to nurturing future generations and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Over the past three decades, S.A.F.E. has grown into a cornerstone of the community, impacting the lives of countless young athletes. Mr. Henry's role as a Certified Tennis Teaching Professional (PTR) and his recognition as the winningest tennis coach in D.C. Public High School history (with a record of 106-4) highlight his expertise and passion for the sport. More importantly, his commitment goes beyond tennis; it is about creating an environment where young people are supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Carroll "Spyke" Henry's legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and a deep belief in the transformative power of sport and education.
Board Members
& Volunteers
Board Members
Earle Jones, Chair
Elise Packard, Vice-Chair
Larry Hailes, Treasurer
Corey Poole, Secretary
Karen Mathura, Board Member
Donna Morris, Board Member
Volunteers
Pat Henry
Kathy Deboe
Johanna Thomas
Bernard Harris
Harrison Brown
Captain Grady Edwards (Retired)
Earle Jones, Chair