MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation Receives NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service Grant from Las Vegas Raiders’ DeSean Jackson

Tags

Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund, Las Vegas Raiders, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, MLK Behavioral Health Center, MLK Children & Family Well-Being Center, NFL Foundation Players' Community Service Grant

Los Angeles, CA – Post by: J. L. Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation

MLK Child & Family Well-Being Center, South Los Angeles (Watts)

PRESS RELEASE

MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation, a non-profit, in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles, is the recipient of a prestigious NFL Foundation Players’ Community Service Match grant from NFL All Pro, DeSean Jackson, of the Las Vegas Raiders, whose professional career includes the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team and Los Angeles Rams.

The grant was awarded through the Jacqueline Avant Memorial, benefitting the new MLK Children and Family Well-Being Center in Watts.

Mission Statement

The primary focus of the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation (“MLK-CDC”) is a revitalization of the MLK Medical Campus located in South Los Angeles in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood.  Los Angeles County owns 42 acres on the campus; it is the new site of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, the adjacent, former King-Drew/MACC hospital building, and a number of other underutilized structures. Working with the County Board of Supervisors, the MLK-CDC aims to transform the site into an “urban family-health campus.” The former hospital has been transformed into a state-of-the-art 500,000 square foot MLK Behavioral Health Center. It will be a national model for community-based comprehensive programs that address the interrelated and complex needs of those struggling with access to care for mental illness and substance use disorders and homelessness. The center will deliver cutting-edge treatment, rehabilitative, vocational, and training opportunities intended to provide the skills needed to reintegrate into the community.

In 2022, the MLK Pediatric HUB Clinic serving 4,000 children and teens in foster care will move into the first floor of the new three-story, 55,000 square foot building named the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center (formerly the MLK Child and Family Well-being Center) – located adjacent to the three trailers that currently house the clinic. The First-of-its-Kind Center located in South LA will provide enhanced outpatient clinical services for at-risk pediatric and adolescent patients and their families. The second floor will house an Autism Wellness Center.

MORE ABOUT THE JACQUELINE AVANT MEMORIAL FUND

Jacqueline and Clarence Avant

The family of the late Jacqueline Avant announced a memorial fund in her name. Donations can be made to the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund, benefitting the new MLK Children and Family Well-Being Center in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles. The Center is part of the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation (MLK-CDC), and gifts will help the continued growth of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital and the MLK Behavioral Health Center. 

Avant was “a stalwart supporter of children and the Watts-Willowbrook community,” previously even serving as President of Neighbors of Watts, a support group centered around childcare in South Los Angeles communities.

“As many have inquired, we have arranged the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, as per Jacque’s wishes,” a statement released by the Avant family said. “More information and a donation section can be found on the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation website: mlk-cdc.org.”

Jacqueline Avant, the wife of producer Clarence Avant and Los Angeles philanthropist, was shot and killed in her Beverly Hills home on Dec. 1 at age 81.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jacqueline-avant-profound-advocacy-1235056582/

MLK-CDEC has raised funds for renovations to trailers that currently house the MLK Pediatric Clinic HUB, which, according to the organization, serves approximately 5,000 Los Angeles children and teens in foster care each year. In 2022, the pediatric clinic will move into the first floor of the new three-story, 55,000 square foot MLK Child and Family Wellbeing Center. The Center will provide at-risk pediatric and adolescent patients and their families with improved outpatient clinical services, hoping to serve as a model for community-based programs addressing the needs of those struggling with care for mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness. The Autism Wellness Center will be located on the second floor. 

The MLK-CDC has also raised additional funds for new furniture, equipment, and personal needs such as clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, emergency food vouchers, and MTA cards. 

Donations can be made to the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation (a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization) for the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, California. Donations are tax deductible (EIN #81-1255345). Checks Payable to: MLK Health and Wellness CDC, P.O. Box 811473, Los Angeles, CA 90081. To learn more or donate online, visit https://www.mlk-cdc.org/jacquie  

More About the NFL Foundation Players’ Community Match Grant Program

This grant is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with funding of up to $5,000 on behalf of a current or former NFL player who has donated financially to a nonprofit organization doing work to better the community . This grant allows NFL players and Legends to help support broad community efforts through the work of nonprofit organizations. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, Disease Prevention and Awareness, Mental Health, Youth Health & Fitness, Military Appreciation, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Character Education, Anti-Bullying, Animal Welfare, etc. In order to be eligible for match funding (1:1 match must be provided by the current or former NFL player applicant).

DeSean Jackson Foundation: 2021 FAST Camp – Final Photos

Tags

Byron Jackson, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camp, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gary Cablayan, Los Angeles Rams, NFL Foundation, Team Jackson, Travis Clark

Photo Credits: NIL Media, Post by: DeSean Jackson Foundation

2021 DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camp – California Lutheran University, Stadium

Coach Travis Clark, Lawndale High School, Football Coach, Team Jackson

Coach Gary Cablayan, CEO, Evo Sports Training, Team Jackson

Coach Irving Booker, Team Jackson, and FAST Camp logistics coordinator

Byron Jackson, DeSean Jackson and Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Shock Doctor Back Packs and mouth guards, LA Rams lanyards, recyclable bags and DeSean’s camp tee shirts for all.

Thanks Cane’s Across America for providing your famous Cane’s chicken fingers for our camp.

Thank you HAPPY ICE for providing cool treats!

Coach Gary demonstrates how other lucrative career paths are available in the sports industry.

Coach Gary really impressed and empowered the young student-athletes at the Fast Camp.

DeSean Jackson Foundation: Photos – Parents’ University Forum at 2021 FAST Camp

Tags

California Lutheran University, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camps, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gayle Jackson, LA Rams, NFL Foundation

Photo Credits: Team NIL Media

Note: Due to Corona Virus concerns, the 12th Annual DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camp was a 2-day event this year with a limited capacity of 200 youth, their coaches, families and media. The event was held at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California.

Photos from: July 23, 2021 – Registration, Meet and Greet with DeSean Jackson and the Parent University Forum & Q&A Session

DeSean and Gayle Jackson at Meet & Greet.

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Event Venue: California Lutheran University, William Rolland Stadium, 3256 Luther Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

More About the venue:

William Rolland Stadium

Home to Kingsmen Football, Kingsmen and Regals Soccer

William Rolland Stadium and Gallery of Fine Art is the newest addition to the athletics complex on north campus. The two-story stadium, completed in fall 2011, has 2,000 fixed seats, an artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting for football, soccer and intramural matches. The two-story stadium, which is designed to meet NCAA standards, will has approximately 2,000 fixed seats in the bleacher structure, a permanent artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting. The facility will include an art gallery, coaches offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms and treatment/taping facilities. Approximately 460 overflow parking spaces will be added to accommodate additional guests at the new facility.

Named for the generous lead donor William Rolland, the stadium is located on the north side of Olsen Road, west of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. Included in the 16,000-square-foot facility is the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, which houses pieces of bronze statuary, paintings and other items from Bill Rolland’s collection.

PHOTOS: Rams WR DeSean Jackson hosts youth football camp

Tags

DeSean Jackson FAST Camp, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Los Angeles Community Relations, Los Angeles Rams

Post by: Los Angeles Rams, July 28, 2021

Photo Credits: Hanna Yamamoto /LA Rams/ Copyright: Hanna Yamamoto/ LA Rams, Youth Football Clinic at California Lutheran University, William Roland Stadium, Thousand Oaks, CA

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson hosted a youth football camp at Cal Lutheran campus for over 150 student-athletes,

DeSean Jackson Foundation 2021 FAST CAMP, “The Experience”

Long Beach Poly Alum DeSean Jackson Donates Cleats, Shopping Spree To Alma Mater

Tags

DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits, The 562.org

DeSean Jackson, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and Long Beach Poly alum

August 2, 2021 – Mike Guardabascio

Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson is heading into his 14th season in the NFL, but he still hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Jackson, set to debut this year with the Los Angeles Rams, paid a visit to his alma mater last week, where he surprised the team with brand new cleats for every player. 

While the players were still celebrating getting the cleats, Jackson revealed that they were also all about to head to a Champs Sporting Goods store in South Gate, where they were treated to a shopping spree as well.

“For me, it’s bigger than the gifts,” said Jackson. “It’s more motivation, to motivate the youth. This stuff is just the icing on the cake. For me, I like to be personally involved. I’ve been where these kids are and I know the sky is the limit. If you can take care of business at Poly you’re going to college for free. That’s the inspiration I’m trying to make sure that they have.”

DeSean Jackson donated cleats and a motivational speech during his “pop up” with the Poly Jackrabbits

Jackson gave a speech to the football team as well, highlighting the necessity of staying focused in the classroom as well as on the field, and also underlining that there’s an expectation of greatness that comes with playing at Poly.

“When you’re on this field you have to be at a different level,” he said. “People in the NFL know about you. People in college know about you.”

Poly coach Stephen Barbee said that after an emotional 12 months, it was nice for his team to get a visit from DeSean Jackson as they’re preparing for the 2021 football season. 

“This is a really nice reward for them, and it says a lot about DeSean that he’s out here to give back to them while he’s getting ready for his own NFL season,” he said.

Jackson has remained a presence around the Poly football program, despite a career that has primarily had him on the East Coast with the Eagles, Buccaneers and Washington Football Team. Despite that, he usually was on the sidelines for Poly football games on the Friday night of his bye week, and would often give a speech before a game or at halftime. He’s also hosted DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camps in Southern California, including one in Thousand Oaks last weekend.

“It means a lot to all of us because we don’t get to see NFL players, this is my first time seeing an NFL player here interacting with us,” said Poly lineman Tyson Ruffins. “It’s really great that he did this, we really appreciate it.”

Jackson said he has high hopes for the Rams’ season this year, with quarterback Matt Stafford and a strong roster that he hopes will allow him to continue his record-setting career. Jackson is already the all-time Long Beach leader in professional touchdowns after passing Gene Washington, and is one of the longest-tenured NFL players to ever come out of the Moore League.

He said he’s hopeful that while the kids were wearing their new cleats they’d think about his journey, and how he used the sport to better his life. “At Poly you’re in the midst of gangs and drugs off the campus,” he said. “I remember we’d see things during practice just over there on the other side of the fence that were crazy. But that’s what you use the field for–you use it as an escape. That’s what it was for me, it was a getaway. Let me block all the noise out and just focus, and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to just be with your friends and work.”

Support The562.Org

The562 is a non-profit, community-funded outlet: It’s sports coverage by Long Beach, for Long Beach. If we all work together—all of us, including you—we can guarantee our city will have quality local journalism for generations to come. Contributions you make to The562.org are fully tax-deductible using our EIN/Tax ID: 82-4314833

DESEAN JACKSON DONATES CLEATS AND SHOPPING SPREE TO LONG BEACH POLY TECH JACKRABBITS

Tags

Coach Stephen Barbee, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits

Post by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation, 7/29/2021

Prior to reporting to the 2021 Los Angeles Rams’ training camp, NFL All-Pro, wide receiver, and Long Beach Poly alum, DeSean Jackson, stopped by Poly Tech to commend Coach Stephen Barbee for 28 years of impacting the lives of his Poly teams; and, to surprise the football team with cleats and a shopping spree to Champs.

Desean states that he most definitely had to check on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to the LA Rams’ training camp for this his 14th year, in the NFL. He often “rolled up” on the Jackrabbits unannounced over the years to inspire, motivate and the Jackrabbits. It is important for them to know he has a vested interest in their team and individual successes. “I made it out and I want them to make it out”, he says.

Several starters of the Poly Jackrabbits lost fathers, mothers, grandparents or friends before the season started; all of their lives were disrupted financially, academically and psychologically due to the Corona-Virus and, many of their families are unfamiliar or confused about the impact the California, Fair Play to Pay Act, will have on eradicating generational poverty, developing economic parity and strengthening families.

“Knowledge is Power”, states DeSean, ” I had Bill and Gayle Jackson educating themselves on the system, protecting me and helping me. I want to instill the importance and value of education as a tool for them to be the architects of their own destiny. I want them to maximize their potential to control and be successful in all aspects of their lives”.

Therefore, it was imperative for DeSean to “pop up” on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to LA Rams’ training camp.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, donates cleats to his alma mater, Long Beach Poly Tech, Jack Rabbits’ football team.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, surprised the Long Beach Poly Tech football team prior to reporting to LA Rams’ camp.

DeSean Jackson, of the LA Rams, took the Long Beach Poly Tech football team on a shopping spree to Champs.

xxxxxxxx

Media and Photo Credits:

Permission granted by ABC7/KABC,, “In the Community”, Laurie A. Bossi

Stephen S. Barbee, Head Coach, Long Beach, Poly Tech

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation

DeSean Jackson looks to continue community impact in his hometown

Tags

DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, DeSean Jackson Joins Rams, NFL Players Giving Back

Mar 31, 2021 at 09:00 AM

Stu Jackson

Staff Writer, LA Rams

• Repost by DeSean Jackson Foundation, 7/29/21

For new Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson, his Los Angeles homecoming is bigger than football.

Yes, he gets a chance to potentially close out his career winning a Super Bowl in the Rams’ home stadium, in his hometown. But he is also afforded an opportunity to be closer to the community he was raised in, and by extension more hands-on as he continues to give back to it.

“For me, Los Angeles, California – being born and raised here in L.A., man, this is very personal for me,” Jackson said during his introductory video conference last Friday. “I felt like being able to have that upbringing and background from me being able to be raised here when I go all across the world, it’s like a demeanor you carry yourself with, it’s a swag you have. So, for me to be back here in L.A., man, I know the inner city very well. I come from that, and I just want to reach back and help pull people out.

Jackson has long maintained a connection to his West Coast roots even as the first 13 years of his professional professional football career kept him on the opposite side of the country.

He grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles before attending Long Beach Polytechnic High School, but still gives back to both communities.

Last December, he teamed up with Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis, Titans linebacker Jayon Brown and former Patriots and Browns linebacker Willie McGinest – all of whom are also Long Beach Poly alumni – to donate $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. When the Cali Bears Youth Football Team – founded in 2018 and serving disadvantaged, inner-city youth in South Central Los Angeles – needed funding to save their 2019 season, Jackson stepped up with a $30,000 donation to cover uniforms, equipment, referees and venue fees to make it possible.

Jackson also hosted a youth football camp in Los Angeles in 2014 with the Crenshaw Colts, a local youth Pop Warner football league; and, held an inaugural DeSean Jackson Foundation youth FAST Camp, of elite performance skills, for 250 youth in Long Beach in 2019.

“The poverty, the slums, where we’re stuck at, we don’t really have the opportunity to get out of there and go see things different,” Jackson said. “So for me, I’m continuously in those areas to just help kind of change the mentality, from how we were raised and what we grew up doing, just to really be on some positivity going out and helping kids stay in school, stay off the streets, stay away from drugs and just really create platforms and opportunities for these young kids that have somebody to kind of lean on when they feel like they’re down and out and they don’t have no one to listen to or to get answers from. That’s kind of what I see myself bringing here to the city, is something I’ve already really been doing.”

Regardless of what those initiatives look like, Jackson ultimately wants to set an example for Los Angeles youth that their hard work can be rewarded, knowing how much of an impression it made on him at a young age through his older brother.

“Just to be able to have them know I’m here, to really give these kids the opportunity to come to training camp, to come watch us play and really see how it’s done,” Jackson said. “Because at a young age, my older brother, Byron (Jackson) played for the Kansas City Chiefs and he actually had a great relationship with (former head coach) Dick Vermeil. I can remember I was like nine years old, he took me to a training camp in Wisconsin and as a young kid to be able to see what it takes, how hard they work from really being in training camp in dorm rooms to waking up early in the morning, to having a full day where it’s nothing else but waking up in the morning, to eating breakfast, to going to meetings, to practice, to taking a lunch break, then going back to meetings, going back to practice, just being able to see that as a young kid speaks volumes. So, for me, I just want to be able to show these kids the hard work it takes.

“… I’m just excited to be able to show these kids what it takes. For me being who I am and the stature, like I say, I really think they’re able to like see and like, ‘Dang, like if he can make it, it gives me possibilities of hopes that they can make it.”

###

Photo Credit: Brevin Townsell/LA Rams

Team D. Jackson Supports the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge

Tags

DeSean Jackson Foundation, Eagles 2020 Autism Challenge, Philadelphia Eagles

Press Release

Los Angeles, October 2, 2020

Team D. Jackson

On Saturday, September 26, Team D. Jackson, which consists of Philadelphia Eagles’ All Pro receiver, DeSean Jacksons’ mother, Gayle Jackson, his sister, A’Dreea Jackson Clay, and her sons, participated in the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge to raise Autism awareness and crucial funds for research.  Due to Covid-19, this year’s event was virtual with ‘virtual teams’; and, all events were held at remote sites in 14 countries, with 3,000 virtual teams, and 284 fundraising teams.

Team D. Jackson donated $2,500.00 from the DeSean Jackson Foundation to the Autism Challenge. Gayle Jackson, President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, said that it was imperative that the Jackson family and our foundation participate in this year’s event to leverage the platform that we have been blessed with to raise Autism Awareness especially in the Black and Brown communities.  Unfortunately, Covid-19 impeded our ability to develop and execute a aggressive fundraising campaign. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that approximately 1 in 54 children, in the U.S is diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 1 in 34 boys identified with autism; 1 in 44 girls identified with Autism; 31% of Autistic children have an intellectual disability; Autism affects all ethnic and socio-economic groups; minority groups tend to be diagnosed later in life and less often; early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan; and, there is no medical detection for autism. Therefore, our family was extremely grateful to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation staff for developing this virtual platform so we could participate and also be in compliance with Corona Virus mandates.  

Jackson also stated that as communities around the world are continuing to observe physical distancing measures, in order to prevent spread of Covid-19, many schools and businesses remain closed.  Autistic children may not understand why their daily routine is changing, which may lead to stress, frustration, anxiety.  The emotional triggers can exacerbate the effects of Autism and may lead to more severe behavioral and communication problems; and, severely restricted access to vital educational and early intensive behavioral intervention. Therefore, Team D. Jackson wanted to use this platform to raise awareness to the impact Covid-19 has on those with Autism and their caregivers and loved ones.   

The Jacksons also wanted to use this platform to invite medical researchers to apply for the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems. Grant deadline is Friday, October 16^th.

# # # #

More About the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Challenge:

The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge, presented by Lincoln Financial Group, raised more than $3 million for autism research and care, thanks to donors from 14 countries, nearly 3,000 virtual participants and 284 fundraising teams. One hundred percent of the participant-raised funds will be directed to groundbreaking autism research and programs.

Originally scheduled for May 16, 2020, the Eagles Autism Challenge was re-scheduled to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. [The event – made famous by its signature Wawa Junior 10-Mile Ride, Wawa Short 30-Mile Ride, Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride, Five Below 5K Run/Walk and Five Below Sensory Walk – was moved to an all-virtual format where participants were encouraged to complete their selected course from home and share photos on social media using #EaglesAutismChallenge.]

“I am so deeply thankful and inspired by everyone who joined us virtually and supported our efforts from home this weekend,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles. “As we clearly saw on Friday, Saturday and throughout these past few months, nothing is going to stop us from funding the most innovative autism research and programs around the world. When we work together, the possibilities are endless. Raising more than $3 million, and nearly $10 million over the first three years of the Eagles’ Autism Challenge, is an incredible accomplishment and a direct result of everyone’s generosity, participation and enthusiasm.”

The weekend commenced with a virtual kickoff party on Friday night featuring some very special guests, including NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer and Eagles’ Legend, Brian Dawkins, to celebrate in the pre-event festivities with participants. On Saturday, a post-ride celebration was held virtually to recognize everyone’s accomplishments and highlight top fundraisers.

More About The Eagles’ Autism Foundation

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Autism Foundation, which was founded by Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles, CEO, with Lurie’s vision to bring people together to support the autism community, has raised more than $9 million for cutting-edge autism research and programs since 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to fund innovative research, drive scientific breakthroughs and provide critical resources, all in an effort to create a major shift from awareness to action. Through fundraising efforts associated with the Eagles’ Autism Foundation, a total of 25 research projects and community grants have been funded for exploratory work in the field of autism since 2018.

Mission Statement:

The Eagles Autism Challenge is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to help unlock the mystery of autism. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism as well as future generations. Our event aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism.

At the Eagles, we take our responsibility to the community very seriously and look for how to best leverage our brand and ability to bring people together in order to drive critical resources and funding to autism. We want to give a voice to families who live with autism – the ones who are out there every day advocating, promoting, supporting and seeking out opportunities for their loved ones.

2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Grant Application Process

The Eagles’ Autism Foundation is inviting researchers to apply for grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems.

The 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Request for Application process will fund two-year pilot grants that demonstrate substantial published or preliminary data signifying that a strong scientific premise supports the study under review. Researchers interested in applying for a pilot grant are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation by Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Once all research proposals have been fully vetted and approved by an independent scientific advisory board, a funding pool of more than $3 million – raised by the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge – will be distributed and allocated to the principal investigators.

For More Information:  Please contact – Eagles’ Autism Foundation, One Nova Care Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145, (215) 339-6790

https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/

DeSean Jackson Foundation Supports Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium Testing in Philadelphia’s Marginalized Communities

Tags

#BlackLivesMatter, Black Doctors' Covid-19 Consortium, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Dr. Ala Stanford, Gayle Jackson and NFL Moms, Mayor Jim Kenney, NFL Foundation, NFL Foundation Social Justice Fund, NFL Players Giving Back, NFLPA, Racial Disparities, SEPTA

On May 25, 2020, DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, and his charity, the DeSean Jackson Foundation, awarded a $5,000.00 NFL Foundation Players’ Social Justice Fund grant to the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium “BDCC”. BDCC is Philadelphia’s first mobile Covid testing site which was launched by Dr. Ala Stanford using her personal assets, a small grant from the CARES Act and a Go Fund Me Page. 

DeSean Jackson states that health professionals have rightly called racism a public health crisis and the Corona Virus pandemic has emerged as perhaps the most telling example of the impact disparities in healthcare in our nation’s history.  While more than 138,000 people in the United States have died from from COVID-19 roughly 18% of them are Black, though only 13% of Americans are Black.  Furthermore, in Philadelphia, Black people are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and have accounted for half of the 23,951 positive cases of COVID-19 and more than half of the 1,433 people who have died  from the virus as of June 10th, while the city’s Black residents make up about 44% of the population. Yet, the city has failed to focus on serving the crucial for testing in the Black community and many Black residents face barriers to accessing the city’s testing sites.  Therefore, DeSean Jackson deemed Dr. Ala Stanford’s Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium a worthy recipient of the prestigious NFL Foundation Social Justice Players’ Fund grant for her social justice and humanitarian efforts.

 

Dr. Ala Stanford administers a COVID-19 swab test on Wade Jeffries in the parking lot of Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

To date, Stanford and her Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium have tested more than 5,000 residents at 22 triage-mobile testing events in partnership with Philadelphia’s Black churches.  Roughly 96% of those tested are Black, Stanford said. “This whole enterprise came from a life of being Black in America and having to wait, of people telling you, “Be patient, don’t worry, help is coming.  “I was tired of waiting for someone to save us.”  Stanford said it costs roughly $25,000 a day to test between 250 and 300 people and with no vaccine available for COVID-19 in the foreseeable future it is imperative that the city provide funding to sustain BDCC because #BlackLivesMatter.

Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation has been advocating for additional support for BCDD.  Gayle states that Dr. Stanford’s business model consists of the free COVID-19 testing, outreach to marginalized communities; and, a concierge-after care and wrap around service.  This meets a critical gap in services because the vulnerable population BCDD serves needs assistance when a positive diagnosis is received; and, access to healthcare and resources for those afflicted, their loved ones and support for the caregivers.  Mrs. Jackson  immediately reached out to Julie Hirsey, Director of Community Affairs, Philadelphia Eagles, when Gayle learned that a bid BCDD had submitted to the City of Philadelphia for $6.9 million in funding for testing from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to expands its operations and perform contact tracing was declined. [Philadelphia Eagles’ also have a Social Justice Fund.]

DeSean Jackson said the issue of the rejection of the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium bid raised his awareness and social consciousness to the City of Philadelphia’s longer-term failure to develop and cultivate an effective W/MBE system. [Women and Minority Business Enterprises].  For instance, in the 2019 fiscal year, business enterprises owned by people of color were only awarded 36% of the city’s contracts, amounting roughly $254 million, according to the city’s Office Economic Opportunity 2019 report.  He advocated behind the scenes for a reversal of the city’s decision.

Status To Date:

On, June 9, 2020, Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Mayor, Thomas Farley, Health Commissioner; and, members of the City of Philadelphia City Council announced the commitment to provide funding to the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium during a news conference at Enon Baptist Tabernacle Church where BDCC was providing free Corona Virus testing.  The $1.3 million city contract will last six months with the potential to continue the partnership.

On June 11, 2020, Dr. Stanford and the Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium entered into a partnership with SEPTA, the 6th largest transportation system in the United States, to provide free COVID-19 testing at four transit stations, in Philadelphia.  The partnership comes at a critical moment for SEPTA.  The 9,500-strong workforce lost seven colleagues to the Corona Virus; and, nearly 300 employees have tested positive for the virus.  While 60% of those afflicted have returned to work and new safety measures are in place, the region is in the midst of a re-opening that will increase risk for SEPTA employees.

– Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium performing on-site testing at SEPTA. 

XXXXXXX

For More Information About:

DeSean Jackson Foundation:  Joie Adams,  deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

National Football League Foundation:  Please visit – https://www.nflfoundation.org

Black Doctors’ Covid-19 Consortium:

https://www.fox29.com/video/674593

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2020-05-03/the-black-doctor-covid-19-consortium-video

 

DeSean Jackson Foundation Supports Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project Covid-19 Relief Request

Tags

Covid-19, DeSean Jackson Foundation, National Football Foundation, National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles, Social Justice, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project Staff – Philadelphia, PA

On May 17, 2020, DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, answered a plea from the Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) a grass-roots, community-based initiative, in Philadelphia, for financial support to address the impact COVID-19 has made on its daily operations; and, the critical social justice and criminal justice advocacy it provides.

Sarah Morris, of YASP, stated that Covid-19 and executive orders required the staff to work from home; and, the subsequent #BlackLivesMatter protests made it difficult to get to the office because of the peaceful protests and street closures.  YASP was seeking a mini-grant for general expenses to sustain operations until they could return to their office.

DeSean Jackson agreed to award YASP funds from the 2019 NFL Foundation Players’ Social Justice grant for $5,000.00 that the DeSean Jackson Foundation received; and, DeSean also offered to meet with YASP in the future to learn more about their advocacy and how he may assist in furtherance of their mission.  Ms. Morris advised that YASP returned to their office on June 22, 2020 and provided a picture of the DJF check.

Advocates for Social Justice & Criminal Justice Reform

Sarah Morris, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) Mission:  Building a youth-led movement to end the practice of adjudicating and incarcerating young people as Adults.  Through its work in the Philadelphia jails, YASP provides space for incarcerated youth to express themselves creatively and to develop as leaders within and beyond the prison walls.  Young people who have been through the adult court system are at the forefront of YASP, leading the movement to keep young people out of adult prisons and to create possibilities for youth around the city.

YASP was a 2019 recipient of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Social Justice Fund grant for $10,000.  The fund was established in 2018 to provide grants to organizations that work to reduce barriers to equal opportunity, with a specific focus on education, community and police relations, improving the criminal justice system and other initiatives targeting poverty, racial equality and workforce development in the Greater Philadelphia area.  In just two years, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Social Justice Fund has provided area-based organizations with more than $858,000 in unrestricted general operating support.

For More Information About:

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project: Contact  Sarah Morris, sarah@yasproject.com or visit website: http://www.yasproject.com

National Football Foundation:  Please visit website:  https://www.nflfoundation.org