On a sunny Tacoma evening a few weeks back, the Desmond Trufant Sunset Estates became the nexus of a powerful collaboration, as two prominent non-profit organizations dedicated to youth development, Tacoma Kidz and Innovative Change Makers, joined forces for a singular, impactful event. This gathering, which brought together legendary athletes and passionate community leaders, underscored a growing commitment to fostering holistic well-being and future success for young individuals through sports.

Brandon Ervin of Ervin Consulting, serving as project manager for the Innovative Change Makers' “Social Emotional Learning” youth sports project, articulated the profound influence that coaches have on the lives of young athletes. Ervin emphasized the critical need for mental health support, advocating for professional athletes to share their personal narratives of overcoming challenges. His vision extends beyond athletic prowess, aiming to cultivate "servant leaders" and "productive citizens" through enriching youth sports experiences. Ervin Consulting, he noted, focuses on actualizing the aspirations of the Innovative Change Makers, ensuring every participant feels genuinely impacted by their positive experiences.

The Trufant family, with deep roots in professional football, played a central role in the evening's initiatives. The Desmond Trufant VIP auction raised a considerable amount of cash, with all proceeds earmarked for the Tacoma Kidz nonprofit. This organization provides vital scholarships for underprivileged youth, a cause deeply motivated by Desmond Trufant's personal commitment to community upliftment. Having volunteered for his brother Marcus’s Trufant Family Foundation since childhood, Desmond Trufant has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of support and opportunity for driven young individuals. He expressed a profound affection for his hometown of Tacoma, commending its strong community bonds and the resilience of its residents. 

Innovative Change Makers, under the leadership of Brian Gatewood, was the host of the "Social Emotional Learning and Youth Sports learn from the Pros Event" part of the evening at The Sunset Estates. This star-studded assembly featured an impressive roster of athletes, including Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Marcus Trufant, Isaiah Trufant, Desmond Trufant, and Joyce Walker, one of the first women to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. The event's primary objective was to equip youth sports coaches with the knowledge and tools to guide their students in emotional regulation through social-emotional learning. The attending professional athletes shared their journeys, encompassing both triumphs and tribulations, to help coaches guide young athletes through their own developmental paths. 

NBA luminary Shawn Kemp, a notable presence at the event, reiterated the importance of inspiring youth and raising funds for community programs. He emphasized that understanding personal struggles is crucial for young athletes, as success often arises from periods of adversity. Kemp championed the cultivation of unwavering confidence through life's highs and lows, urging young people to observe and emulate strong community leaders and to apply "double the amount" of effort to achieve their aspirations.

These concerted efforts, uniting two influential non-profit organizations, exemplify a growing dedication within the sports community to comprehensive youth development. By addressing mental health, facilitating educational opportunities, and nurturing a robust sense of community, these initiatives are actively shaping the next generation of athletes into well-rounded, resilient, and impactful citizens.

Learn More:

Innovative Change Makers: https://www.innovativechangemakers.org/ 

Tacoma Kidz: https://tacoma-kidz.square.site/