Lions Heart

Lion’s Heart empowers teens to become confident, compassionate leaders through meaningful volunteer service and leadership development. By connecting young people with community needs, we cultivate lifelong changemakers who lead with purpose, integrity, and heart.

Founded in Orange County in 2004, Lion’s Heart began as a small but passionate idea in the Trabuco Canyon home of founder Terry Corwin. What started with just 20 teens has grown into a national organization that has inspired and equipped more than 10,000 young people to serve their communities with purpose and heart.

For more than two decades, Orange County has remained the heart of Lion’s Heart, serving as the foundation and model for chapters across the country. Through meaningful service projects, leadership development, and innovative tools—including a member portal, mobile app, and in-person programming—Lion’s Heart connects teens to causes they care about while helping them build confidence, character, and real-world leadership skills.

At its core, Lion’s Heart is guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: think of others before yourself. The organization exists to inspire teen volunteering and leadership, cultivating a generation of engaged, community-focused leaders who create positive social impact—now and for a lifetime.

As founder Terry Corwin shares, “We want these kids to become leaders and understand that giving back is simply what we should all be doing. I wanted my own children to see the world as bigger than themselves and realize they could make a difference. Lion’s Heart grew from there—and I’m incredibly proud of what it has become.”

Lion’s Heart teens don’t just volunteer—they lead with consistency, commitment, and heart. On average, each Lion’s Heart member contributes more than 52 hours of service annually, with nearly 40% qualifying each year for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Many of these teens dedicate over 100 hours annually to serving others in their communities.

The impact of Lion’s Heart extends well beyond high school. Alumni data shows that nearly 80% of former members continue volunteering after graduation, and more than 60% go on to take on leadership roles—demonstrating that service through Lion’s Heart creates lifelong changemakers.

Since its founding in 2004, Lion’s Heart has provided nearly 10,000 teen memberships nationwide. As of early 2024, the organization has grown to 198 chapters across 29 states, with teen members contributing more than 2 million hours of service to communities across the country. By removing barriers to service and expanding access to meaningful volunteer opportunities, Lion’s Heart empowers teens to engage deeply with their communities and develop the skills needed for adulthood.

As one Orange County high school senior shared, “Volunteering with Lion’s Heart has been incredibly meaningful for me. Seeing the impact my service has on others motivates me to keep going. I’ve learned that even the smallest acts of kindness can truly change someone’s day—and that feeling stays with you.”

Today’s teens are growing up in a world marked by disconnection, rising stress, and a strong desire to make a difference—without always knowing how or where to start. While many young people want to serve their communities, too often they lack access to consistent, meaningful opportunities, trusted guidance, and leadership development that helps service become a habit rather than a one-time experience.

Lion’s Heart exists to fill what’s missing. As the organization continues to grow nationally, there is an increasing need to expand capacity, deepen programming, and ensure equitable access for teens from diverse backgrounds and communities. Sustained investment is essential to strengthen chapter support, provide high-quality leadership and life-skills training, and maintain the infrastructure that connects teens to real community needs through trusted nonprofit partnerships.

With the Lion’s Heart app now fully developed and in use, ongoing support is needed to optimize engagement, deliver dynamic content, and ensure teens are actively supported as they track service, set goals, and build confidence through action. Technology alone does not create changemakers—intentional programming, mentorship, and community connection do.

Additionally, nonprofits across the country are seeking reliable, youth-driven volunteer support. Lion’s Heart plays a critical role in bridging this gap by preparing teens to show up consistently, responsibly, and with purpose. Continued resources allow Lion’s Heart to expand partnerships, improve coordination, and respond to growing demand from both teens and the organizations they serve.

The need is clear: teens need structured pathways to lead with empathy and purpose, communities need engaged young volunteers, and nonprofits need partners who prepare youth to serve well. Investment in Lion’s Heart ensures that service is not just something teens do—but something they become, shaping a generation of confident, compassionate leaders for life.

Lion’s Heart proudly serves teens and communities throughout Orange County, California, where the organization was founded and continues to have its strongest presence. Orange County remains the heart of Lion’s Heart, serving as a hub for innovation, leadership development, and best practices that support chapters nationwide.

Beyond Orange County, Lion’s Heart serves communities across the United States, with 204 chapters in 31 states. Through this national network, teen members engage in meaningful volunteer service with local nonprofit partners, addressing community needs while developing leadership skills and a lifelong commitment to service.

Rooted locally and connected nationally, Lion’s Heart creates consistent, high-impact volunteer experiences that strengthen communities today and build the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Lion’s Heart was founded on a simple belief: when teens are given the opportunity to serve, they rise to the occasion—and often far beyond it. What began in Orange County more than two decades ago has grown into a national movement, but our heart has never left the community where it all started.

Today, Lion’s Heart empowers teens across 31 states to become confident, compassionate leaders through meaningful service. We don’t just track volunteer hours—we build character, confidence, and a lifelong commitment to giving back. Our programs are designed to meet teens where they are, connect them to real community needs, and help them discover the impact they are capable of making.

As Executive Director, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our teen members, volunteers, staff, and nonprofit partners. Together, we are building something lasting: a generation of young people who don’t just care about their communities, but actively lead within them. I am proud of Lion’s Heart’s strong roots in Orange County and excited about the continued growth and impact ahead.

Cindy Williams
Executive Director, Lion’s Heart

Lion’s Heart is an organization rooted in purpose, integrity, and impact. From its founding in Orange County to its growth across communities nationwide, Lion’s Heart has remained steadfast in its commitment to developing young people who lead with compassion and responsibility.

As Board Chair, I am proud to support an organization that goes beyond traditional volunteering. Lion’s Heart equips teens with the structure, mentorship, and real-world experiences needed to become engaged leaders—both now and in the future. The dedication of our teen members, volunteers, staff, and partners reflects the strength of our mission and the lasting difference it makes in communities.

The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring Lion’s Heart remains strong, innovative, and accessible as we grow. We believe deeply in the power of service to shape confident, ethical leaders, and we are honored to steward an organization that continues to create meaningful impact locally in Orange County and across the nation.

Nelma Maddox
Board Chair, Lion’s Heart