Grizzlies TEAM UP Youth Mentoring 
- Award Entered:
Sport Team of the Year - Parent Organisation:
Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation - Project Host Nation:
United States - Overview of Project:
The Grizzlies TEAM UP Youth Mentoring Initiative is focused on finding caring adult mentors for youth across Greater Memphis. Mentoring can occur naturally, but for many people, the relationship is more successful and enduring when created and supported by a structured program. Over 2000 mentoring matches have been facilitated with Grizzlies Foundation support: (a) Charitable grants: Averaging $1.8 Million/ year for new programs and program expansion (b) Memphis Mentoring Partnership: Affiliate of MENTOR/ The National Mentoring Partnership, the Grizzlies Foundation runs a local network and provides volunteer training and technical assistance for non-profit organizations and schools to ensure high-quality, sustainable mentoring. (c) TEAMmates: A “club” for current volunteer mentors to provide various incentives, recognition and to foster relationships with other mentors to increase mentor retention. (d) Grizzlies TEAM Mentoring: New activity-based mentoring model which matches 3 mentors to 9 youth. Developed and operated by the Grizzlies Foundation in two public charter schools in Memphis, TN. (e) TEAM UP Strategic Partners: Alignment with corporate and faith-based organizations to develop teams of mentors to increase volunteer participation. (f) Grizzles TEAM UP: Vast public awareness campaign, inclusive of public service announcements, in-game recognition, ticket giveaways, radio and outdoor advertising, community presentations and social media outreach.
Comments
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Mark Wender: 27 Sep 2011 - 19:44 BST
The Grizzlies Foundation is the paradigm of how sports franchises should be involved in their local communities. The Stax Music Academy has been the recipient of the foundations time and resources and as a result has been able to expand our music programming to at risk youth. We consider Jenny and the Grizzlies Foundation staff to be partners. The mark they have made in Memphis in 10 years is remarkable. We are all very proud.
Dorothy Johnson: 26 Sep 2011 - 02:56 BST
The Grizzlies TEAM UP Youth Mentoring is a model that is changing the lives of young people in our community by connecting caring adults with wonderful young people. Thank you Grizzlies for the vision and the commitment to making a difference!
Ketan Patel: 20 Sep 2011 - 23:40 BST
Go Grizzlies!!
Lewis: 08 Sep 2011 - 22:42 BST
Ive been in Memphis since 1998 and have had the opportunity to see many great organizations in the community. However, the TEAM mentoring program is second to none. I look forward to continued growth and encourage everyone to be a mentor. The team approach really makes it easy! Good luck and thanks for all you do for our great community!
Lewis: 08 Sep 2011 - 22:40 BST
I've been in Memphis since 1998 and have had the opportunity to see many great organizations in the community. However, the TEAM mentoring program is second to none. I look forward to continued growth and encourage everyone to be a mentor. The team approach really makes it easy! Good luck and thanks for all you do for our great community!
Nancy Coffee: 08 Sep 2011 - 16:04 BST
I’m so proud and appreciative of all you do for our city. Believe Memphis!
Nancy Coffee: 08 Sep 2011 - 16:02 BST
I’m so proud and appreciative of all you do for our city. Believe Memphis!
Gib Vestal: 08 Sep 2011 - 02:42 BST
Many thanks to the Grizzlies for their support which has allowed MAM to provide mentoring to thousands of Memphis youth. Our community and the at-risk youth have been the beneficiaries of your incredible efforts. You are certainly our Sport Team of the Year!
JD Graffam: 07 Sep 2011 - 23:15 BST
This is awesome, way to go!
Eric: 12 Jul 2011 - 19:26 BST
Congratulations Grizzlies! Way to represent Memphis!