Purpose Boxing Club: A new gym with a mission to uplift youth
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A new nonprofit gym in Wenatchee, Purpose Boxing Club, has opened its doors to provide a positive space for local youth. The gym features a full-sized boxing ring and 12 punching bags. It’s a place for young athletes looking to build discipline, confidence and community.
The initiative is closely tied to the Community for the Advancement of Family Education, or CAFÉ, a nonprofit in the area. Together, the two nonprofits are working to provide teenagers with a safe place to go.
The gym offers a program for kids whose families may not be able to afford traditional boxing classes, which is paid for through CAFÉ. About 20 students are currently enrolled in classes that run twice a week, with open gym sessions.
Francisco Jimenez, a recovery navigator and youth program coordinator for CAFÉ, has been connecting youth with the gym. These groups of students are considered to be more likely to drop out of school due to poverty, exposure to substance abuse and family instability.
Jimenez said he spent 25 years in gangs. He says he understands firsthand the struggles teenagers face.
“We do a lot of work to combat gang activity, stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. Boxing gives them an outlet,” Jimenez said. “Since starting this program, I’ve seen teenagers improve in school, their grades go up and their relationships with their families strengthen.”
The gym also receives support from the community. Before it opened, the Wenatchee Rotary Club partnered with CAFÉ to donate new boxing gloves and punching bags for the students.
Emerson Penado is the gym’s founder. He was also born and raised in Wenatchee. Penado’s passion for boxing began when his son took up the sport.
“This is a mental sport,” Penado said. “We’re not just teaching boxing, we’re teaching life skills — how to show up on time, how to be prepared. These are lessons that stay with them beyond the gym.”
Boxing as an art
For students like Vinay Valdovinos, Purpose Boxing Club is more than just a place to train. She first boxed when she was younger. With this new program, she has the chance to return to the sport.
“Boxing is like a form of art,” Valdovinos said. “Instead of seeing it as violence, it’s something people can dedicate themselves to and use to improve as a person. I want to compete one day. My grandpa has been an inspiration for me.”
She also credits her coaches for fostering an encouraging environment.
“I love my coaches — they push me to be my best. Regardless of experience, they guide everyone step by step so we can learn at our own pace,” Valdovinos said.
The Penado family’s commitment to the gym is also deeply personal.
“My dad was my hero and my role model,” Penado said. His father died the night of the gym’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I chose to be here because I didn’t want to let the kids down. I know my dad would be proud of me.”
His son, Rivaldo Penado, known as Aldo, also sees the gym’s impact firsthand.
“People come here and just get to focus on boxing, not whatever is going on at home,” he said.
The gym is still in its early stages. Purpose Boxing Club is currently focused on foundational training, but the owners hope to build a competition team.
“If kids want to compete, we’d love to make that happen down the line,” Penado said. “For now, it’s about fundamentals, building a team and growing the community.”
As a nonprofit, Purpose Boxing Club relies on community support. Erica Penado, Emerson Penado’s wife, said organizations like CAFÉ make the program accessible to youth who can’t afford classes.
“We want this gym to be a safe haven where kids can grow, learn and find a sense of belonging,” she said.
Renee Diaz may be contacted at diaz@wenatcheeworld.com. Collaborative reporting by The Wenatchee World, Northwest Public Broadcasting and WSU’s Murrow College of Communication Newsroom Fellowship.
