Built by People Who Believe in the Village
Village of Warriors exists to help prevent youth suicide by building stronger, more connected lives through mentorship, movement, skill-building, community, and consistent adult support.
Our Purpose
Prevention starts with connection.
Young people need more than programs. They need people who show up, mentors who listen, skills that build confidence, and a community that helps them keep going.
This is the heart of Village of Warriors: building a stronger village around the next generation.
Our Story
It Really Does Take a Village
Village of Warriors was created from a belief that young people need support before they reach a breaking point. The mission is personal, practical, and community-driven.
Through mentorship, martial arts, athletics, trade skills, business exposure, and positive adult connection, Village of Warriors works to create environments where youth feel seen, supported, and capable of building a stronger future.
What Drives the Work
Support That Builds Strength Before Crisis
The work is built around real connection, consistent mentorship, practical skill-building, and opportunities that help young people see what they are capable of becoming.
Connection
Young people need to know they are not alone and that someone is truly paying attention.
Discipline
Movement, training, and structure help build confidence, focus, and self-control.
Opportunity
Trade skills, business exposure, athletics, and mentorship open new doors.
Community
A strong village surrounds youth with guidance, accountability, and support.
Main Members
The People Helping Steer the Mission
Village of Warriors is led by people with lived experience, professional skill, and a shared commitment to giving young people support, structure, and hope.
CFO / Board Member
Tristan Shiota
“My passion is people. With over 25 years in the security software and technology world, experience as a serial entrepreneur, and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I’ve turned my time and attention toward helping others and giving back. I joined the VOW board as CFO to contribute to this foundation, help steer the ship, and support services where they are needed most today.”
Founder
Anthony Baker
“I was born to a 21-year-old mother who raised me the best she could. With no father in the picture, our home was small, but powerful. My mother got help wherever she could while she worked to give me the best things life could offer.
I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the network of people my mother knew that helped raise me and made sure I made it through as many years of my life as possible. I spent many summers attached to other families, getting that ‘whole family’ experience I could not get at home. It really did take a village to raise me.
At 44 years old, with two children, I now understand what it truly means to give back and pay it forward. That is why I started Village of Warriors.”
Community Engagement / Creative Support
Kyle Rudder
“I’ve coached youth basketball for several years, spent nearly 20 years in sales, and now own DadBod T-Shirt Shop and The Floating Spaceman, where I work in custom apparel, video design, and media production.
My connection to Village of Warriors is personal. I was once a troubled youth, and I know how important mentorship, structure, accountability, and second chances can be. I believe young people need positive adults, real guidance, and a community that helps them see what they’re capable of becoming.
Through Village of Warriors, I’m proud to help support a mission focused on confidence, discipline, opportunity, and building a stronger future for the next generation.”
Build With Us
The Village Gets Stronger When People Step Forward
Whether you donate, volunteer, sponsor, mentor, teach, or simply help open a door, your support helps build a stronger future for young people who need community behind them.