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Athletes in Action

Athletes in Action

AFH University February 2024 Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions. 

While February came and went in a flash, our student-athletes dedicated as much time as possible to giving back to their communities in meaningful ways.

Athletes from Davidson College, Southern University, Bowie State, Georgetown, and LSU engaged in Valentine’s Day card making, various panel discussions, celebrating Black History Month and more!

Davidson College

Continuing The Mission

The women of the Davidson field hockey team spent time at Continuing the Mission, a comprehensive assistance for veterans that provides assistance dogs and support. 

Since 2023, the team has been volunteering at Continuing the Mission where they take the dogs out, play with them, and help them socialize before they get adopted out to the veterans.

Mental Health U

During Black History Month, AFH University student-athletes from Davidson College and Southern University took part in the launch of AFH’s brand new AFH University panel series titled Mental Health U.

In Episode 1: Black History Month, the student-athletes discussed the importance of speaking out about mental health and breaking the stigma of mental health in the black community.

Hear about the mental health resources the student-athletes use on and off campus, the importance of having people you can talk to, how the stigma of mental health is changing, and more here.

Southern University

Valentine’s Day Project

This year for Valentine’s Day, student-athletes at Southern University helped spread the love as they hosted a card-making station where others could come and create cards for patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Once completed, the cards were hand-delivered to the hospital in time for Valentine’s Day where they were given to patients.

Black History Month Essay Contest

This year AFH partnered with the athletic departments at Southern University and Bowie State for our Black History Month Essay Contest. The contest asked high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American who has been an inspiration to them.

The winners from each community captured the power of perseverance and dedication in their essays. You can read both of the winning essays and learn more about this year’s winners here.

Bowie State

CHAMPS Program

In September 2023 Athletes for Hope revamped its AFH Fit and H.E.A.R.T. Curriculum to create the CHAMPS Program. CHAMPS brings athletes to underserved elementary school classrooms to teach them invaluable mental health and leadership skills alongside physical activity exercises. 

This February student-athletes from Bowie State SAAC visited Perrywood Elementary School to put on a CHAMPS session with the children at the school. CHAMPS participants were taken through workouts, a mental health Mindfulness activity and more!

CIAA Panel Series

Members of Bowie State SAAC had the pleasure of visiting the Under Armour Headquarters where they participated in a series of panel discussions with Deloitte CEO of Consulting Dan Helfrich where they discussed a day in the life of a student-athlete with high school students.

The panelists kept the conversation light while providing insight on barriers to access of sport, adjusting to collegiate athletic life, how sports prepare you for professional work life, and more!

Georgetown

Night to Shine

Over 40 Georgetown student-athletes attended a Night to Shine in Washington DC. Night to Shine is a prom night experience for individuals 14 and older who have special needs and is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Black History Month Movie

February is a time when AFH University student-athletes come together to celebrate, honor, and preserve Back history.

This year during Black History Month, student-athletes at LSU hosted a movie night for their campus that honored black movie directors. Eventgoers enjoyed a myriad of movies and sparked up conversations about the contributions of the Black community to film and television.

Spring is just around the corner for our student-athletes and we cannot wait to see how they will positively impact their communities!

Athletes in Action

AFH University January 2024 Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions. 

As 2024 began, our student-athletes wasted no time getting back into service projects throughout their communities.

Athletes from Georgetown, Southern University and LSU engaged in community beautification projects, served on MLK Day, and more!

Georgetown

Keep Austin Beautiful

The Georgetown women’s rowing team visited Austin the first week of January and jumped right in to help with a beautification project.

They supported a Keep Austin Beautiful project and took kayaks out with the Austin Rowing Club, as well as engaged in picking up trash and other items along the waterfront. Despite visiting another state for training, they continued their dedication to service and community.

Martha’s Table

On January 15, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, student-athletes at Georgetown University were one of the many AFH University campuses who volunteered to honor the life and legacy of Dr.King.

Student-athletes collected pantry items for their on-campus food pantry and participated in a pop-up market on MLK Jr. Avenue hosted by Martha’s Table in collaboration with the Annual MLK Day of Service Parade in Downtown, D.C.

Southern University

The Walls Project

As a part of MLK Day 2024, Southern baseball and Southern soccer participated in a three-part community service project. This year’s project was focused on beautifying the Eden Park neighborhood. Service zones consisted of revitalizing a basketball court, painting houses and murals to cleaning up blight along the streets. 

Southern baseball facilitated clean-up along the streets of the Gus Young Neighborhood while Southern soccer assisted with a beautification project at Eden Park by painting a mural on a vacant building.

On MLK Day, I got a chance to give back to the community. It is my duty as a Southern Jag and a student athlete to take opportunities to serve on such a monumental day. My teammates and I walked the streets of Baton Rouge by the MLK Center picking up trash. It always feels good giving back and I plan to continue helping every chance I get.

Qunicy Smith, Southern Baseball

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Girls On The Run

During MLK Day 2024, a group of LSU student-athletes and athletic administration members were able to build program bags designed to help young girls who are participating with Girls On The Run, a nonprofit organization that is designed to be a mentoring program and a running club that is training for a 5k.

I had the chance of facilitating our volunteers to pack running kits for elementary aged girls that are a part of the Girls On The Run program. As a female athlete, I believe that it is important to build the future generation so that they to can feel the same sense of achievement that I feel. Through this volunteer opportunity, I hope that the girls feel the care and love that their community has for them.

Shani’a Bellamy, LSU Track & Field

Empower 225: Dream Center

During MLK Day 2024, LSU student-athletes were also able to give back to the Baton Rouge area through a field day.

Volunteers facilitated a field day with Empower225: Dream Center, a program in the Baton Rouge area that aims to empower the youth in the area who are at risk of homelessness and dependency. 

It was great being able to hang out with the kids and see them having fun and smiling. I enjoyed being able to speak with some of them and give some words of encouragement.

Morgan Smalls, LSU Track & Field

As we enter into another year of AFH University, we are excited to watch all of our campuses engage their communities through various service projects throughout the year. We are so proud of all of our student-athletes whose continued dedication to positively impacting their communities is changing the world!

Athletes In Action

Student-Athletes Serve Up Joy In Baton Rouge

Written by: Kenya Warren-Hollins, MPA, Program Manager, AFH University

For our AFH University student-athletes, the weeks before Thanksgiving are often met with studying for finals, trips back home, and winter workouts. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle, something our Baton Rouge campuses look forward to each year is their week-long service project Baton Rouge Serves With Purpose.

During the second annual service project, our Baton Rouge student-athletes focused on tackling the disparities of food insecurity by volunteering at various community organizations that routinely provide food, warmth, and friendship to those less fortunate.

Thursday, November 9

Southern Bowling and Southern Soccer kicked off our AFH Baton Rouge Serves With Purpose initiative at Baton Rouge Food Bank. Student-athletes checked expiration dates, sorted, and packaged food boxes for families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that solicits, procures, inventories, and warehouses donated food and other products. This food is then distributed to a variety of community agencies such as pantries, meal sites, homes, shelters, and soup kitchens that serve the people in need.

Today I helped Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank package food to help feed over 600 families. I served today in hope to give families better access to food and to give back to a community I am grateful to be able to support myself in.

Gia Johnson, Southern Soccer

Tuesday, November 14

During the second day of Baton Rouge Serves With Purpose, Southern Baseball contributed to closing the food insecurity gap in Baton Rouge. They assisted with the Metro Council District 6 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway hosted by Councilman Cleve Dunn.

After passing out turkeys to families in need, they continued their day of service at St. Vincent de Paul where they served over 100 dining room guests in need of a hot meal.

It’s not only about strikeouts and home runs. It’s about giving back and serving in the community

Coach Crenshaw, Southern Baseball

Thursday, November 16

Southern Bowling visited Louisiana Key Academy after going 8-0 in competition at the Sonic Boom Invitational. They led students through stretches, warm-up exercises, and bowling techniques. To close out their field day, students were able to put their skills to use with a game!

On the same day, Southern Soccer volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul’s annual donation drive held at Hi Nabor grocery store. Student-athletes assisted with collecting donations and educating grocery shoppers about the special event’s cause with some shoppers donating cash on the spot. At the end of their volunteer time, the student-athletes collected over $200 and baskets full of items for the food drive. 

Today a couple of my teammates joined me in asking for donations for St. Vincent de Paul’s annual food drive. It brought me great joy to be able to help because I have experienced both sides of the cause, receiving and giving. We accepted monetary donations as well as items requested by St.Vincent de Paul. One family even donated a hundred dollar bill! It was amazing to experience the compassion that comes with doing this type of service

Ashanté Gatlin, SU Women’s Soccer

Friday, November 17

To close out our week-long service event, LSU Beach Volleyball players and coaches visited Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital to spend time with youth who will be spending their holidays in the hospital. There was no shortage of joy as our student-athletes were just as excited as the patients to visit rooms and read books during story time!

Volunteering at the children’s hospital was a very fulfilling experience. The kiddos were so engaging and full of giggles!

Gabi Bailey, LSU Beach Volleyball

The holiday season is a time when we can reflect on all that we are grateful for and this year our student-athletes haven’t stopped saying how grateful they are to be able to give back to their communities. Our student-athletes are already looking forward to our third annual Baton Rouge Serves With Purpose event, and until then, they are looking forward to positively impacting their community at the start of the new year.

AFH News

AFH Supports APA Foundation’s “Where We Play” Mental Health Event in Baton Rouge

On November 11, 2023, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) brought its inaugural Mental Health: Where We Play event to Baton Rouge.

The APAF is the philanthropic and educational arm of the American Psychiatric Association. The Foundation promotes awareness of mental illnesses and the effectiveness of treatment, the importance of early intervention, access to care, and the need for high-quality services and treatment through a combination of public and professional education, research, research training, grants, and awards.

The event was an extension of their ongoing Mental Health Care Works campaign that raises awareness around the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, showcases the efficacy of seeking help, and encourages individuals to start conversations and take action.

Photo of AFH staff, AFH student-athletes, APAF members, and others who attended the 'Where We Play' event.

Athletes for Hope staff and AFH student-athletes attended the event held at The Country Club of Louisiana for a luncheon that brought together doctors, mental health professionals, coaches, and collegiate athletes to discuss and raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges experienced by athletes.

Participants spent time discussing athlete mental health topics including performance anxiety, coming back after an injury, the impact of social media, burnout, and more. The conversations were authentic and honest, showing the human side of mental health challenges that even the most accomplished athletes face.

AFH Athletes Deja Griffin of Southern soccer, Ali Newland of LSU softball, LSU beach volleyball coach Katie Dickens, and Janice Miller, mental health advocate and mother of Arlana Miller all took turns speaking on athlete-specific mental health experiences.

Deja Griffin gave details about her freshman year injury which caused her to sit out from two years of playing and how it impacted her mental health as well as her motivation to continue school. Ali Newland shared her insight on the state of youth sports and how the “pay to play” mantra has limited sport access for disadvantaged youth.

Photo of Deja Griffin (right) and Ali Newland (left).

“There has always been conversations about mental health. The difference is people willing to listen.”

Dejas Griffin, Southern Soccer

The event concluded with Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields stating that he felt motivated to do more in the mental health space, with a goal of adding additional mental health counselors in Louisiana colleges beyond LSU.

We are proud of our student-athletes who continue to engage in difficult conversations, knowing that their lived experiences as collegiate athletes can help to shape the next generations and we are thankful to our mental health partner, APAF, for giving them a space to share their stories.

Athletes In Action

AFH University September Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions. 

Our AFH University student-athletes are falling in love with community service this September! This past month, student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their communities.

Athletes from Southern University and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

LSU

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

On September 6, LSU Cheer visited OLOL Children’s Hospital and did what they do best! They brought cheer and great energy to patients.

The cheerleaders visited rooms, showed off their moves, and led an exciting game of trivia in the activity room.

Southern University

St. Vincent de Paul

On Thursday, September 7, Southern men’s basketball supported individuals facing food insecurity in Baton Rouge by packing over 100 “Bags of Hope” for guests at St.Vincent de Paul.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Before Southern softball could kick off their season, they wanted a special touch from the artists at OLOL Children’s Hospital.

Patients and student-athletes spent the afternoon painting cleats that the Southern Lady Jags will be wearing during their 2024 season.

Healthier Families, Better Communities Expo

On September 23, Southern baseball volunteered at the Healthier Families, Better Communities Expo hosted by the City of Baker and The Bridge Agency. The expo had various organizations on site sharing valuable resources including a kids zone.

Student-athletes assisted with the children’s activities as well as event logistics such as set up and registration.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

To close out the month of service, on the 27th Harold Rhodes III of Southern football visited OLOL Children’s Hospital to facilitate activity time and visit rooms to cheer up patients.

As the fall semester kicks off our student-athletes couldn’t be more excited for another great semester of service! We couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this semester.

Athletes In Action

Athletes for Hope 9/11 Day of Service Grant Projects

Since April, Athletes for Hope has engaged 150+ community members in more than 500 hours of service thanks to a 9/11 Day of Service grant period provided to them by The Arc and AmeriCorps.

This year, Athletes for Hope’s 9/11 activities focused on emergency preparedness, developing and implementing solutions that ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to receive the help they need should calamity strike.

As we pause to reflect on the 22 years since the 9/11 attacks, we remember those whom we have lost and the heroes who selflessly risked their lives for the safety of others. To honor them, we are proud to share the three major community service projects AFH Athletes and other members of the Baton Rouge community have engaged in over the past 6 months.

Progress Elementary

On April 21, 2023, Athletes for Hope’s Southern Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program (SPCP) engaged over 100 students at Progress Elementary in Baton Rouge at an inclusive field day that promoted physical activity, provided fire safety, and encouraged fun learning ahead of Louisiana Leap testing.

With over 25 volunteers from Southern University Athletics, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, ASL On The Bluff, and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Athletes for Hope was able to increase community safety, preparedness, and resilience in case of a disaster. 

LA Key Academy

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, Athletes for Hope facilitated its second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes from Southern University, SU Volunteers, Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department and the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. After learning about emergency preparedness, students were able to participate in various sports stations, play on inflatables, and practice fire safety.

Community Day

On September 11, 2023, Athletes for Hope commemorated the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 with a community day of arts and unity. The Arc of Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, student-athletes from LSU and Southern University, and other community leaders participated in various stations including canvas painting, letter writing to all who serve through Operation Gratitude, and created handmade beaded jewelry. 


The St. George Fire Department led a tour of the fire truck and shared important emergency preparedness tips with all community day participants. After learning new safety tools, activity books and hats donated by the fire department were distributed along with collateral from the Red Cross.

At the end of the community day, local heroes from the Baton Rouge community were honored for their commitment to service in the community. Athletes for Hope gives a special thank you to the following community heroes who are making a positive impact in their community; The Arc Baton Rouge Board of Directors President, Al Thibodaux, Sheriff Timothy Johnson, Nurse Anastasia Montgomery, Deborah Lee, Captain Todd Perez, St. George Fire Department, Firefighter Brian Roussel, and Firefighter Brent Bravata.