Moving Youth Forward 2026

Hooked on Fishing Not on Violence (HOFNOV) is a Sacramento-based youth development organization that has been transforming lives since 2011. What began as a mentoring program centered around fishing has grown into a powerful community-based initiative that supports youth through leadership development, violence prevention, mentorship, and healing-centered programming.

HOFNOV works with young people from communities that are often overlooked and underserved—many facing poverty, trauma exposure, academic challenges, and limited access to safe recreational opportunities. Our mission is to provide youth with positive pathways, supportive relationships, and real opportunities to build confidence, leadership skills, and a vision for their future.

Through our partnership with the Elevate Youth California (EYC) initiative, HOFNOV delivers prevention-focused programming designed to help youth make healthy choices and avoid substance use, violence, and other high-risk behaviors. These programs include leadership training, youth engagement activities, community listening sessions, mentoring, and culturally responsive workshops that help young people develop resilience, self-awareness, and strong decision-making skills.

HOFNOV has also been actively engaged in the statewide Ending Girls’ Incarceration (EGI) movement, working alongside community partners to support girls and gender-expansive youth who are at risk of entering the justice system. Our work focuses on early intervention, community support networks, and providing safe spaces where young people can speak openly about their challenges while building the tools they need to thrive.

In addition to these initiatives, HOFNOV continues to host outdoor experiential programs—including fishing excursions, camping trips, and community events—that connect youth with nature, mentorship, and positive peer relationships. These experiences create powerful “moments of truth” between mentors and participants, helping youth build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Over the years, HOFNOV has served hundreds of youth across Sacramento County through workshops, leadership programs, outdoor activities, and community events. Our approach blends mentorship, cultural awareness, restorative practices, and practical life skills to help young people see new possibilities for themselves.

At HOFNOV, we believe that prevention begins with connection. When young people feel supported, seen, and valued, they are far more likely to make positive choices and pursue meaningful futures.

Your support through Big Day of Giving helps us expand these life-changing programs, reach more youth in our community, and continue building a safer, stronger Sacramento—one young leader at a time.