TEAM UP Youth Mentoring
This project's parent organization is Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation
It operates in United States
It uses Multiple sports
Entered the Sport Team of the Year
More about TEAM UP Youth Mentoring
First, the team’s high profile and extensive network of fans, media assets and team events amplify the mentoring “call to action” and extend the TEAM UP message to a large, diverse audience. Mobilizing the community is critical to tackling gang violence, economic development and safer schools. Examples include: team personnel as spokespeople; in-game signage, public service announcements, “Mentor Mondays” in arena recognition and “Mentoring Nights;” complimentary ticket giveaways to mentoring programs; arranging discounted or free services and goods for Grizzlies Foundation partner agencies.
Second, the Grizzlies Foundation has invested more than $9 million in Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM), a local grassroots organization, which uses sport to reach thousands of at-risk youth in Memphis. MAM began with basketball league, which operated out of borrowed gyms in local churches and schools. When the Grizzlies got involved in 2001, approximately 800 kids participated. With the Memphis Grizzlies Athletic Center as MAM headquarters, the organization operates twelve locations. Golf, soccer, flag football and skateboarding are offered year-round.
MAM is aligned with more than 200 faith-based institutions and other nonprofits, and the centers have attracted more than 14,000 youth. MAM fosters unity within the community and teaches discipline, sportsmanship, and social responsibility.