THE MISSION

Providing knowledge and support to advance youth in achieving their goals through community outreach, persistence, and volunteer programs is at the heart of our mission. We believe that fostering positive youth development is a shared responsibility among families, schools, and communities. By creating the right conditions for growth and success, we empower young individuals to thrive. Families play a crucial role in this journey by offering the necessary support and encouragement.
34 Ways Foundation was established as a support organization dedicated to guiding and uplifting children through football camps, activities, and specialized programs. Our mission is to help youth by promoting sports, academics, and mentorship opportunities that build character, instill discipline, and encourage good health and education.
Our motto at 34 Ways Foundation is “Teaching, Reaching, and Educating Youth 4 Life!” This goal-oriented message serves as an inspiration, motivating the community to support and encourage young individuals in reaching their full potential.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives are to assess the level of adolescent participation in organizations designed for young people, identify best practices, and make recommendations to enhance their involvement in decision-making, program design, implementation, and evaluation.
34 Ways Foundation aims to establish a presence on college campuses throughout the Southern states, beginning with the University of Memphis as the first university to house the foundation. This initiative seeks to empower both youth and college students by providing opportunities for community service, student tutoring at the university and local high schools, and access to additional resources that support upward mobility.
Sports and various activities serve as a vehicle for 34 Ways Foundation to connect with children and the community. We believe that with proper guidance and encouragement, children can transform their dreams into reality.
Our goal is to foster an environment that not only cultivates positive individuals but also instills a sense of pride in oneself and the community.
By engaging communities in meaningful programs and events, we strive to create something they can look forward to each year, leaving a lasting impression and fostering a more positive outlook on life for everyone involved.

OUR GOALS

Reaching families 34 WAYS! This has always been my one and only goal. The goal is to foster an environment that not only creates positive individuals but also instills pride in oneself and the community. While we promote health, physical fitness, community strength, and hope for a brighter future, each year I challenge myself, as well as the foundation team, to be more creative in fundraising. This foundation must receive donations in order to continue its success. My most important goal is to reach a different family, a different child, a different city, a different state. By doing so, I know my foundation will remain successful.

Who does it target and support?

34 Ways Foundation held its first camp in April 2004 in Miami, FL. During our initial camp, we have served 120 elementary and middle school children from Miami-Dade County. We have continued with this camp every April since 2004 recently serving 350 school-aged children in 2007; while also branching out into other regions in the south the past two years such as Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA., and Lake Charles, La. We have served over 7,000 youth within the various cities. We support other foundations, communities, various charities, etc.

What brought about its establishment and when was it established?

​The world is constantly changing every day. The times where it took a village to raise a child are long gone, but everyone would agree that children are the future. But we as young adults, teachers, coaches, and parents are the future because we are the ones that are supposed to set the foundation for the youth. If that’s not done properly how are they supposed to lead us to greater heights in the upcoming decades! We as influencers of the next generation need to devote more of our time, effort, and energy to the youth. 34 Ways Foundation is inspired and completely dedicated to ushering this movement to reinforce the significant of the youth in our future.

In what ways does the foundation contribute to the Memphis community?

​34 ways Foundation participated in Memphis, Tennessee, for the 24rth Anniversary of the Africa-In-April Festival, held April 15 – 18, 2010. The Republic of Nigeria was this year’s featured country. This is a unique event that focuses on bringing African dignitaries, ambassadors, and culture to the Memphis Community on an annual basis. Corporate partners have worked diligently on an exciting series of training sessions, networking opportunities and marketing outlets for the venue.
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With special guest from New Orleans, La. DRAGO’S charbroiled Oysters Restaurant, The ZULU tramp’s Experience, a Mardi Gras float designed by The Kern’s of Mardi Gras World, and last but not least the second line Band.  To add a little flare to the event we also provided hot plates of signature dishes from New Orleans, La. The menu was Gumbo, Jambalaya, shrimp and Pepper Corn soup.

 

What are some noted achievements the foundation can list since its establishment?

a.) Second Harvest Food Bank- I have teamed with Rouse’s Grocery Store who donates thousands of dollars and provide canned goods. For nearly 28 years, Second Harvest Food Bank has been feeding hope in South Louisiana. They are leading the fight against hunger through food distribution, advocacy, education, and disaster response.
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b.) Lake Charles, La. Charity Events- 34 WAYS Foundation selects 5 schools each year to host an Essay Writing Contest explaining why their family should be chosen to receive gifts and food baskets during the holidays. 5 top winners are selected by me and presented with a autographed framed action photo to them in front of their family, teachers, principals, peers, and last but not least the Mayor, Randy Roach.
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c.) After School Student- Athlete Mentoring Program- I chose my high school, Miami Norland High School; because I know firsthand what is needed outside of regular day to day teachings to assist our youth in furthering their education as a student athlete. After several years these students have made a tremendous improvement in their grades as well as their performance as an athlete.

What would you say are some of his proudest moments as founder of this organization?

For several years now Mr. Donald Rouse and I, Michael McKenzie “34 WAYS Foundation “has teamed- up to give thousands of toys, turkeys, chickens, all the dressings and fixings, for the youth in New Orleans, La.  
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Aristotle tells us that we are the sum of our actions and motivation. As a mentor and motivator for youth I appreciate the premise that an individual’s cumulative actions can result in a fantastic end. At “Rouse’s Grocery store” we have taken this even further. We have taken action this year and we have done so collectively and I can only pay tribute to the outcome. Thanking all volunteers for their support and hard work in making this event a success.
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On June 27, 2010 Mike McKenzie and 34 WAYS Foundation participated in the Zydeco Festivities by signing T-shirts, photos, hats, and other memorabilia.  Photos with Mike McKenzie were readily available immediately after the pictures were taken with him. In Lake Charles, La. 34 WAYS Foundation will kick- off the 2010-2011 school years with the proceeds from the Trail Ride by providing Back 2 School supplies and back packs.
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34WAYS Foundation joined the MLK Coalition of Southwest Louisiana in celebrating the birthday of slain civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., with activities ranging from prayer and song to discussion and reflection. Highlighting the celebrations is the annual Memorial Breakfast. There are many activities throughout this weekend each year.

In each city I have played football in, I have also begun an outreach program.

Why is it important to me to give back to those communities? (Miami, Memphis, New Orleans)

​Participation in organized sports boosts confidence and self-esteem, family and community interaction, sportsmanship, and life skills. We at 34 Ways Foundation teach the skills needed to survive and cope with diverse situations, to reach out to as many individuals as possible, and to educate the youth about the importance of staying in school, saying ‘No’ to drugs, and taking responsibility for their actions.
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We, as a foundation, provide valuable learning experiences in a positive and supportive manner to as many children as we are able to fund. These experiences will help individuals to better understand the necessary skills that life demands and empower them to realize the choices and options that are available to them. One of the things that differentiate our product and service from other charitable groups is our background in our own inner city. We at 34 Ways Foundation are a product of the same community where individuals invested their time and energy into us and it’s only right we give the same time and energy back.
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Our background in the community allows us to relate to the needs of the youth and its make the assimilation of the community and youth easier for us. 34 Ways Foundation is well aware of the conditions and pressure faced by youth in the community because we were faced with similar situations. A mutual understanding and appreciation exists between our foundation and the community that makes our service invaluable.