Inspiring Conversations with David Groos of Great Opportunities

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Groos.

Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Great Opportunities was founded by David and Eric Groos in 2002, and our mission was/is to empower underserved youth through swimming, beach, fishing, bicycle, and environmental education programs—fostering growth, leadership, and resilience while guiding them toward brighter, healthier futures. We first started with swimming and beach programs involving West Wind Sailing, Orange County (OC) DA and the OC Sheriffs GRIP program, and Dana Wharf Sports Fishing. Great Opportunities has undergone growth changes over the past 24 years of operation. It is by collaborating with Unidos South OC, CREER, Going Native (an environmental stewardship club), the Youth Advisory Board of San Juan Capistrano, and the CHEC Family Resource Center that Great Opportunities ensures that its programming resonates with and directly responds to the community’s unique needs and values. These partnerships amplify the organization’s reach, enhancing its ability to deliver relevant, community-rooted services.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? That question is vast. Yes, there have growing pains and challenges.

As you know, we’re big fans of Great Opportunities. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Through numerous collaborations, Great Opportunities has become deeply embedded within the community it serves. By actively recognizing and working with other community-driven entities, the organization has developed a network of support systems that contribute to impactful programming, tailored to the region’s evolving needs and aspirations.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One significant focus of the project is the Learn to Swim program, which directly addresses water safety and proficiency. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among children, especially in communities where swimming lessons are financially out of reach. By teaching children how to swim, Great Opportunities not only provides a potentially life-saving skill but also fosters confidence and resilience, particularly in an environment where water safety is critical.

Pricing:

• All programs are offered at no cost.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://greatopps.org
• Instagram: @gr8opps
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatOpportunities/
• Twitter: @GOGr8Opps
• Youtube: #gr8opps