4DWN transforms lives and communities in South Dallas through the intersection of skateboarding, sustainable food systems, and community empowerment. The organization began as a group of skateboarders seeking a safe space to practice their craft and thrive. Together with Dickies^® and the VF Foundation, 4DWN brings to life its mission of rolling faster and farther by fostering sustainable health and well-being of kids, families, and the environment through programs rooted in recreation, education, cultivation, and conservation.

Building Community and Resilience

Over the past nine years, 4DWN has evolved into a cultural hub where skateboarding is more than an activity—it's a way of life that promotes intersectionality, openness, and most of all, tenacity. Their approach is not about charity; it’s about empowerment. Cultivating resilience in the face of adversity is central to 4DWN's philosophy. People come to 4DWN seeking help but often end up contributing to the community, breaking the cycle of dependency and fostering a culture of mutual aid, reciprocity, and self-reliance. Their urban farming initiatives enable community volunteers to learn valuable life skills that contribute to a sustainable ecosystem and local food hub.

Expanding Neighborhood Access

Dallas is a city of contrasts, with a high concentration of wealth but also significant poverty, especially among children. Over half of the city's youth live in food and recreational deserts, lacking access to nutritious food and safe spaces for physical activity. 4DWN understands that to address these challenges, communities need spaces that offer not only recreation but also internet access, shelter, and a sense of belonging and resilience.

This is reflected in one of 4DWN's most innovative programs, their vertical farm and container farms, which produce microgreens and other crops using 95% less water than traditional farming methods. This closed-loop farm system feeds hundreds of people every week at the skatepark, operated in partnership with Dive Coastal Cuisine. Volunteers help harvest 15,000 plants a week, providing fresh produce to the community and supporting local, sustainable agriculture and a closed-loop food economy with food rescue, composting, and recycling.

Building Trust Through Action

4DWN's skate park farm embodies Co-Founder Rob Cahill’s belief that to be decent is to be rebellious. The park, fully solar-powered and contributing energy back to the grid, exemplifies their commitment to sustainability and innovation. At the heart of the organization’s success is a relationship with its local community built on trust and action. 4DWN volunteers connect with community members, earning their confidence through consistent, tangible results. This non-transactional, trust-based approach fosters a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Dickies^® and The VF Foundation is honored to support 4DWN in its mission to empower individuals and transform communities through skateboarding, sustainable practices, and community building. This partnership embodies our shared values and commitment to create a better world for people and the planet. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of 4DWN's work and the inspiring stories of empowerment that emerge from this vibrant community.