TMJF Host 2nd Annual Big Easy Holiday Dinner Surprise

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On Friday, December 21st, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Big Easy Holiday Dinner Surprise.  Jenkins and his foundation, coordinated with local non-profit and church organizations to identify 25 families in need of a cooked holiday meal.  Along with TMJF board members, Loyce Pierce Wright and Pamela Lyles, area volunteers helped package and distribute the cooked meals that included--two (2) side dishes, two (2) beverages, a dessert and a turkey or ham prepared by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.66715_433723270026917_357664913_nThis year, former New Orleans Saints player, Ricky Jackson donated food items to support the effort. Among the volunteers, assisting in packaging and distributing holiday dinners were students from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter High School mentoring program Mu Lambda Kappa. The students were Lavance Woodberry, Ellis Gutter, Krischan Jupiter, Tori Harris, Earl Thomas, Renard Smith, Roderick Clark. The mentors were James Mack, Enos Hicks and Daryl Persons. New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, Alpha Beta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Sheryl W. Rodriguez, Robyn McCormick, Shellond Chester, Cerise McClendon & Gina Dupart); Beta Upsilon Chapter (Dillard University), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (RoShawnda Buchanan); LSU Law School, Carlos Rodriguez, Jr.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; NOLA Women for Change, Shawne Favre; students from Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO); volunteers from  Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church; Monique Varnardo and Ceeon Quiett Smith.             SPONSORS:Meats – Chisesi Brothers and SyscoBeverages - The Wendy’s CompanyCarrot Soufflé – Piccadilly’s DessertDessert - Maurice’s BakeryMeat Preparation- The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s OfficeBoxes and wrapping paper - Shawne Favre, Sandra Davis and Nikia DillardFor more information call: The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation: 504-599-5914

GIFTS 4 GPA -New Orleans Saints Players Honor 6th graders with a School Visit and Shopping Spree

New Orleans, Louisiana (December 4, 2012) – It’s not everyday that kids are honored for their good grades. Yet, every year Gifts 4 GPA™ partners with New Orleans Saints players to honor students with 2.5 GPAs and higher for their scholastic achievements. This year, Lance Moore #16, Roman Harper #41, Malcolm Jenkins #27, Joe Morgan #13, Johnny Patrick #32 and Cam Jordan #94, are giving students another reason to work hard in the classroom by hosting the Annual “Gift for GPA™”, Christmas Program and Shopping Experience.On Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 10 A.M. 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from Benjamin Banneker Middle School, Alice Hart Middle School, Nelson Charter School, and Martin Behrman Charter School will gather together for Gifts 4 GPA™ Christmas Program and Award Show. Over 700 students will enjoy an explosive program filled with entertainment, trophies, give-a-ways, a Nelson Charter vs. Martin Behrman battle of the bands, and a motivational talk from Joe Morgan #13 and Malcolm Jenkins #27. Following the Gifts 4 GPA™ Christmas Program, 6th grade essay winner Devin Howard, his classmates, and 4.0 students from Martin Berman, Alice Hart, and Nelson Charter will board buses and head to Target to shop with Lance Moore #16, Roman Harper #41, Malcolm Jenkins #27, Joe Morgan #13, Johnny Patrick #32, Cam Jordan #94, and New Orleans saints mascots Sir Saint and Gumbo on a $100 shopping spree. In his winning essay, Devin stated:“I overheard someone say that children aren’t bad; we are just a product of our community. I sort of don’t agree with that comment. I live in a bad neighborhood, but I’m not bad. I figured if I can bring something into my neighborhood, it would give kids a chance to do something good and prove to the world that we live in a bad community but we are the children of the future.”Gifts 4 GPA™ is an annual exclusive Zahkii Sports™ and The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation education-oriented Christmas Program that rewards students with good grades and brings holiday cheer to communities in need. The program emphasizes student’s Grades Perfect attendance and Academics, and teaches students that hard work produces rewards. In so doing, Gifts for GPA’s ultimate objective is to promote education’s value and the long-term benefits of securing good grades.Speak Up Speak Out ™ is a 501(c) 3 community based non-profit organization that focuses on reaching out and educating at-risk youth and underprivileged children. Our core mission is to educate and empower children, adolescents and youth adults in our communities and America! To learn about the Speak Up Speak Out Foundation, visit www.WeSpeakUp.org. To request our event Who, What, When, and Where document, please contact Alvianne Brule’ at 504-333-9741.(See GALLERY to view photos)

New Orleans Saints extend charitable hands to Hope for the Holidays

New Orleans Saints players took a break from football on Monday to talk about a special charitable endeavor. Roman Harper and Lance Moore have joined forces with eight other Saints teammates and United Way to take part in the Hope for the Holidays project, helping rebuild homes damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Isaac.Harper and retired Saints safety Darren Sharper were the two initial players to spearhead the Saints' involvement with the service project three years ago. Since then Moore, running backs Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles, offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Jermon Bushrod, safety Malcolm Jenkins and wide receiver Courtney Roby have joined them in making a difference for families displaced from their homes.Harper presented United Way on Monday with a $25,000 check for the rebuilding efforts, and he said it's "heartwarming" to see the families' excitement about returning home after the rebuilding efforts from Hope for the Holidays."We started off with just two homes with just a couple of people out to see us; we're at 14 homes now," Harper said. "It's a fun thing and neat how it's gotten so big with so many of my teammates involved ... you actually seem like you're part of the family because you saw their houses before and now you get to see how now the girl is picking out the color of her bedroom. They're so happy."Moore said it was "a no-brainer" to participate. He will be honored with the "Hope Award" at the Hope for the Holidays Gala on Dec. 14 at the Hyatt Regency hotel."It's not about us being on TV every Sunday, it's not all about us trying to make as much money as possible, or to win 17 Super Bowl rings," Moore said. "Obviously we'd all love to do that, but it's about what you do while you're here and how you can affect people around you."I was on the team when Katrina hit in 2005, and the effect it had on us as an organization I could feel it ... you realize how many people need help. To be able to potentially put people back in their homes and try to get their lives back in the right direction just a little bit, that's what this thing is all about."

Excerpts from Costas’ interview Malcolm Jenkins, Football Week 8

On Jenkins play last week against Vincent Jackson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I’ve seen plays like that happen since I was little, since Pop Warner. Somebody gives everything they have and it’s just enough to make the play. The chances of us keeping them out of the end zone are slim, but I know there is still a chance. Whatever I can give, I’m always going to give it, just to give my team the chance to win the game.On Jenkins similar play last year against the Dallas Cowboys:One thing that Jim Tressel always taught us was that being great usually means it’s not all about talent. Sometimes your God given ability is just not enough. If that’s the case, then you can be fine with that. But if you don’t give all that you have and do the things that you have control over, then you will be disappointed in yourself. So I make sure that whenever those opportunities come I’m always going to give it my all. And they have worked out for me.On preparing to play against Peyton Manning, when Manning was with the Colts: The biggest thing I remember is the importance of the details. How we aligned and what we were showing him. Knowing that he is reading us was the biggest thing. We studied our own body mannerisms. We had to do a lot of self-scouting to know what he would see and know what we were showing as far as coverage and looks. We had different plans for him at different points in the game. We didn’t want to keep it the same. If you do the same plan for the whole game, it may work early but eventually he will figure it out. You try to keep the ball out of his hands and do whatever you can to keep him off the field. And it worked for us.

Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Looks to Make Impact in Lives of Local Youth

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins is very involved in his foundation that looks to help local youth prepare for their future.  Since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2009, Safety Malcolm Jenkins has felt a connection with the city of New Orleans. That connection has helped him develop The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation – an organization dedicated to positively impacting the lives of youth.Jenkins started his foundation in 2010 and is focused on youth in underserved communities by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences that will help youth develop skills to succeed in life and become contributing members of the community.“Giving back to the community is something that has been important to me since college,” Jenkins said. “As a professional athlete, I have the opportunity to make a difference and be a positive role model.”Recently, the foundation hosted a Taste of New Orleans event at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. The event was the first for the foundation and was designed to celebrate the region’s best food, paired with the nation’s top wineries, all coordinated to raise awareness and funding support forR.E.W.A.R.D.S. programs, as well as supporting the recovery efforts of recreational play areas in St. Tammany and St. John the Baptist parishes damaged by Hurricane Isaac. Restaurants included Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, Drago’s, and Pigeon.Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. is dedicated to cultivating and creating service, education and character development programs and initiatives for area youth and teens. The Greater New Orleans Urban League College Track program is one of the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. program partnersOne of the foundation’s other initiatives, the Greater New Orleans Urban League College Track Program, awarded 10 scholarships last year. One of the recipients, Andrew Bloom, a freshman at UNO, received one of those scholarships.“I would like to thank them for being there for me and helping me overcome obstacles,” he said to the crowd. “I would like to thank Malcolm for the scholarship. At the time I received it, I didn’t know what my plans for after high school were. The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation has given me the chance to focus solely on school by taking care of my tuition.”Looking ahead to the future, Jenkins hopes that the foundation can help youth across the city prepare for their life after high school and college.“It gives us an opportunity to help students like Andrew and give them the opportunity that many of us weren’t fortunate enough to have,” Jenkins said. “We hope the initiatives from the foundation can support them and give them what they need for success in the future.”For more information, visit the foundation’s website at http://new.mj4youth.com/.By Lindsey Mitchell

TMJF "TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS" FUNDRAISER

“My wife and I attended the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's Taste of New Orleans". Malcolm and his wife were extremely gracious hosts. The food was provided by some of the city's top restaurants. Also on hand were several of the Saints players. Malcolm and the players were very accommodating and patient with the Horde of fans who were present. The highlight of the evening was a young man who was a freshman at UNO, thanks to the mentoring and financial help from the foundation. A round of applause to Malcolm Jenkins; a son of New Jersey, a product of the great Ohio State University, a member of the Saints, and a genuinely fine example of a man.  A great night for a great cause.”  “Congratulations on a fantastic event!”    @TheMJFoundation next year all my friends need to attend!! Great cause!! #givingback “It was an honor for my wife and I to meet you both last night. It was truly a great event for us to attend…”     “Thank you for hosting such a FABULOUS evening!  Everything was spot on from the wine, champagne, food to the music.  The atmosphere was refreshing - it was warm and friendly, all the players were approachable, gracious and having such a great time.  Truly a magical New Orleans evening.”      "Great testimony tonight from a kid that @MalcolmJenkins has loved.  Support @TheMJFoundation and make a difference.   “I would like to commend and congratulate The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and the TMJF R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Program for your outstanding effort in support of the youth and our communities. WHAT A BLESSING!!” 

Malcolm Jenkins - Recipient of the 2012 Jesse Owens Influential Athlete Award- OSU AAAS

Congratulations to Malcolm Jenkins (New Orleans Saints #27) on being selected as a recipient of the 2012 Jesse Owens Influential Athlete Award.This exceptional recognition is awarded biennially to an African American alumnus and former Ohio State student-athlete who exemplifies great character and talent, demonstrates exceptional professional success, and continues to reflect the highest qualities of a consummate athlete and humanitarian.The award is scheduled to be presented during the All Decade African American Alumni Reunion Gala on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.For more information on the African American Alumni Society go to http://osuaaasociety.org/aaas-awards 

The Regions Top Restaurants & Wineries Join Malcolm Jenkins for "Taste of New Orleans" Fundraiser

THE REGIONS TOP RESTAURANTS AND WINERIES JOIN MALCOLM JENKINS FOR TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS FUNDRAISER ON SEPTEMBER 24 AT THE PAVILLION OF TWO SISTERS

NEW ORLEANS (SEPTEMBER 14, 2012) — Beginning at 7p.m. on Monday, September 24th, at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park, New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins will host Taste of New Orleans. The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's (TMJF) first fundraising effort, Taste of New Orleans, is designed to celebrate the regions best food, paired with the nation's top wineries, all coordinated to raise awareness and funding support for TMJF R.E.W.A.R.D.S. programs.

Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. is dedicated to cultivating and creating service, education and character development programs and initiatives for area youth and teens. The Greater New Orleans Urban League College Track program is one of the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. program partners. In addition, the TMJFTaste of New Orleans fundraiser will also help to support the recovery efforts of recreational play areas in St. Tammany and St. John the Baptist parishes damaged by Hurricane Isaac.

Taste of New Orleans Participating
Restaurants, Wineries and Sponsors

  • Wolfe's Gulf Coast Grill
  • Ruth's Chris
  • Joel
  • Morton's
  • Bravo
  • Markham Lapostelle
  • Sanford
  • Drago's
  • Chimney Rock
  • Rutherford Hill
  • Maple St Patisserie
  • Praline Connection
  • St James Cheese
  • Kakkoii
  • Pigeon
  • Cafe Giovanni
  • Galatoire's
  • Domaine Carneros
  • Hendry
  • Simi
  • Marius
  • Terlato
  • Starbucks
  • Entergy New Orleans
  • Red Stick Prosthetics
  • Wendy's
  • WDSU
  • Q93.3
  • 98.5 WYLD
  • Spears Consulting Group

To attend Taste of New Orleans, visit,http://new.mj4youth.com/or call 504.366.8063

About The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's
PROJECT R.E.W.A.R.D.S.
(Reinforcing Education with Activities, Recreation and Developmental Supports)

Founded in 2010, TMJF is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of youth, particularly in underserved communities; by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences that will help youth develop skills to succeed in life and become contributing members of the community.

TMJF has engaged and participated in several programs and activities in the Greater New Orleans area through its R.E.W.A.R.D.S initiative. Program activity include, honoring and rewarding a Behrman Elementary School student for citizenship, donating books to the Bethune Elementary School library, to its more formal partnership with The Greater New Orleans Urban League – College Track Program.

TMJF and The Greater New Orleans Urban League partnership, actively engages students in grades 9 – 12. The partnership is centered on a curriculum focusing on Self-Confidence, Health and Wellness, Strategic Thinking, Leadership Development Skills & Mentoring. Students who successfully complete the Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. curriculum will be considered for scholarships. In May, TMJF awarded ten – $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating seniors of the Greater New Orleans Urban League College Track Program.

Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarships are awarded annually to help deserving youth, in pursuit of higher learning, with the financial assistance to attend an accredited college or university.

Living Well in Louisiana with Saints Player Malcolm Jenkins

Take the Living Well in Louisiana Challenge and win the Malcolm Jenkins Award!

Malcolm Jenkins is the celebrity host of the Living Well in Louisiana Fit Schools Challenge, which challenges children to form teams within their schools and compete by tracking their activity miles to equal a race to the Pacific and back, charting the course of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark.  Take the Living Well Challenge. A healthier lifestyle starts with you - make your move today! Take these three steps to own your own health and start Living Well in Louisiana. 1. ASSESS your health »2. CHOOSE your challenge »3. FOLLOW your fitness »

Sign up now!  Challenge starts Aug. 20. 

  

Bill Clinton addresses ULGNO College Track students

Urban League of Greater New Orleans College Track Program held its first graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 10, with former President Bill Clinton as the keynote speaker.The Urban League College Track program empowers young people from low-income communities, aspiring to attend college.This year 37 seniors in the program have been accepted to four-year colleges.Mayor Mitch Landrieu was also on hand to honor the students and Malcolm Jenkins announced the recipients of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarship which helps funding for their college education.Some of these students will be the first to graduate high school in their family and others the first to attend college. Dillard University, Morehouse College and Louisiana State University are just a few of the colleges that have accepted the 37 seniors.Former President Bill Clinton told a group of graduating New Orleans high school students Thursday that the future of the city, still recovering from Hurricane Katrina six years ago, and the country is in their hands."Every one of you is going to have choices, choices very often your parents didn't have," said Clinton, the keynote speaker at a ceremony recognizing the first graduating class of the New Orleans branch of College Track, a national after-school program that helps students from low-income communities make it to college.Clinton said he's here because he loves New Orleans, but mostly, "I'm here because you represent the future of this country."And the "power of your example" will be felt in New Orleans, he said. "You'll not only bring New Orleans back from Katrina, but you'll take it to new heights."Getting a college education is the best way to have options during tough economic times, the national economic crisis and high unemployment rate, he said."In the last 12 years we have allowed ourselves—for the first time since the end of World War II—to fall from first to 15th in the world in the percentage of our young people getting degrees from four-year institutions, and it is killing us economically," he said.The unemployment rate among people with college degrees is half the rate of people without a degree, Clinton said. The income of people with college degrees is 25 to 30 percent greater than those who don't have them, he added."It's important to you," he said.Earlier, Clinton addressed attendees of CTIA Wireless, the U.S. cellular phone industry's annual trade show, which ended its four-day event in New Orleans.Before the ceremony, the 37 students met with Clinton, a longtime supporter of the program, which was launched in the San Francisco area more than a decade ago and branched out to New Orleans about five years ago. It has also been introduced in Los Angeles and Aurora, Colo., said College Track co-founder Carlos Watson.Watson said the program offers students tutoring and guidance in finding summer jobs, volunteer work and extracurricular activities such as writing and music. It also helps them acquire financial aid for college and partners them with mentors and tutors once in college.Clinton spent time chatting and posing for pictures with the graduates of the Urban League College Track, the New Orleans program whose primary partner is the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, prior to his address.Candace Gautreaux could hardly contain her excitement as she waited to meet Clinton.At 20 years old, Gautreaux had a longer and harder road than most to reach graduation. The opportunity to meet a former president was almost more than she could handle."I just don't even know how to put this in words," she said. "I was supposed to be a statistic."After being held back in lower elementary grades, the McDonogh 35 High School student found her footing with help from College Track. She said so many people told her to just quit, drop out and settle for a GED.Instead, she hung in with help and guidance from the program and now is meeting the former president to boot."I always wanted to meet a President, any President. I'm so excited," Gautreaux said.Clinton said the future is riding on whether trends involving young people from low-income backgrounds can be reversed "and we lift our young people up.""You have to do your part of the lifting, and you will in college," he said."I'm here for a lot of reasons," Clinton said, pointing out that like many of the graduates, he was the first in his family to go to college. "My life was changed because I got to go."New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins also attended the event.Karlton Pannell, who's graduating from the New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School, introduced Clinton."This is once in a lifetime, a real blessing," said Pannell, who's graduating from the New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School and is participating in an internship program at LSU's School of Medicine in New Orleans this summer.It's hard to believe college wasn't even on his radar four years ago despite the fact that three of his sisters were in college."My parents struggled. They didn't graduate from college and didn't know how to help me," Pannell said."I just didn't care, and I didn't take it seriously," he added. "If it wasn't for College Track I wouldn't know all I needed to know to get to this point. It taught me about tuition, financial aid, how to talk to professors."Pannell, who will attend Morehouse College in Atlanta in the fall, said the program has also taught him much about himself."I was rough, not focused. College Track holds you to certain expectations. I didn't always do what I was supposed to do. I'm not a perfect student, but now I really feel respected for my effort."Jenkins gave some of the students scholarships through his foundation.Many of the students in the program will be the first in their families to graduate high school or go to college. Program graduates have been accepted to Louisiana State University, Dillard University, St. John's University, Bard College and elsewhere.Watson said College Track serves males and females, mostly black and Latino. Besides the New Orleans students graduating this year, there are more than 150 others enrolled in the New Orleans program and more than 1,000 in programs in California and Colorado."I'm always excited to see the family in the audience, the little brothers and sisters and cousins," said Watson, who will preside over the New Orleans ceremony. "The effect our graduates will have on these family members, the example they will be for them, that is as important as what we're doing on stage."

Former Piscataway Great, Malcolm Jenkins, and NFL buddies giving back to the community

You hear all the time about professional athletes 'giving back to the community.'I saw it happen first-hand on Friday at Piscataway High School at the first Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Football Camp.I was totally blown away at what I saw.Jenkins is a former Piscataway football and track star who plays for the NFL's New Orleans Saints.Jenkins and a host of NFL players, along with Piscataway coaches, players and former players, were out in the brutal, 93-degree heat teaching a group of 200 kids how to run, block and tackle.They gave six hours of their time on Friday and will give six more hours on Saturday with 150 more kids. All for free!The campers didn't have to pay anything and the NFL players flew in from all over the country with all expenses coming out of their pocket.All because Malcolm Jenkins asked them."All he has to do is ask and I'm there,'' said James Lauranitis, a feared linebacker with the St. Louis Rams and former teammate of Jenkins at Ohio State. "Giving back is what it's all about, especially for the benefit of kids.''Among the NFL players on hand were Jenkins, Kyle Wilson (Jets) and Anthony Davis (49'ers), who all played together on the 2004 undefeated team at Piscataway and who were all first-round draft picks in the NFL. The three were re-united for the first time since their high school days.Also on hand from the NFL were Lauranitis, Isa Abdul-Qudus (Saints) and Roman Harper (Saints). The list is expected to grow on Saturday with the presence of Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals).The former Piscataway players on hand included Marvin Booker, Rob Rose, Matt Voliva, Myles Savage, Vincent Wilson and Steven Miller."I have a huge passion for giving back,'' said Jenkins.It showed.The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation was formed in 2010 by Piscataway resident Gwendolyn Jenkins, Malcolm's mother."In New Orleans, Malcolm does so much charity work, he gives so many speeches and is involved in so many community things, but it was done under the radar and a lot of it is was not organized,'' said Gwendolyn. "I know Malcolm is a person who loves to make a difference in people's lives, so I approached him about a foundation. I said 'why not have your name attached to it, this way we can do the organizing and come up with ideas.' "Thus, the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation was born with Gwendolyn Jenkins serving as President and Malcolm Jenkins as Chairman."The foundation has become a year-round job,'' said Gwendolyn. "But it's worth it when you can make a difference in a person's life.''The community work of Jenkins was recognized by the Saints, who chose him as the 2011 New Orleans Saints Player of the Year.While I was simply in awe of Jenkins and all these men donating their time and putting forth so much energy all for the benefit of kids in severe heat, I also had so much fun reminiscing with Jenkins, Wilson and Davis, whom I interviewed numerous times in high school.Davis lit up when I told him how I remembered him on the varsity basketball team as a sophomore and how I recalled his little spin move in the lane with a soft jumper to go with it.  Then when I asked him why he left the team as a junior after scoring 14 points in the season opener against J.P. Stevens, he said "To focus on football.''  What a good move.And I was very excited when, searching for Jenkins, he found me and came up to say hello and welcome me to his camp. I was surprised he remembered me because after all, the last time I saw Malcolm, I was interviewing him at the New Jersey Meet of Champions track meet in 2005.When I recalled the story of Piscataway beating Sayreville in 2004 when Jenkins hauled in a bomb from Rob Rose in the closing minute, Jenkins, a Super Bowl champ, said, "Of course I remember that game. I pop in highlight films from high school once in a while because those days were special. I brag about me, Kyle and A.D. (Davis) all playing for the same high school. And, at least once a week, I remind my teammate, Isa (Adbul-Qudus), who played at Union, how we whooped them in high school ... twice.''When Rose heard me tell the story about the Sayreville game in '04, he said, "Malcolm made me look good. All I had to do was throw it up and he tracked it down with all that speed.''It was certainly an awesome day for me, but for others too. "I'm blown away by this day,'' said Piscataway assistant coach A.J. Cook, who has been with the program for a long, long time. "It's just great to see these kids coming back like this and giving something back. I'm in awe.''Said head coach Dan Higgins, who has won five sectional titles in nine years, "I can't even put this into words what this means to me. This feeling I have right now is as good as any of the championships we won. These are special kids who don't act like special kids. They are just Piscataway Chiefs.''  by John Haley/For The Star-Ledger

Harper, Jenkins and Sharper to Host Pro Experience Football Camp

The Pro Experience Football camp will benefit the Sharper Kids Foundation, Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Saints safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper and former Saints safety Darren Sharper will host a youth football camp June 16-17 at John Curtis High School (10125 Jefferson Highway - River Ridge, La.)The camp will benefit the Sharper Kids Foundation, Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation and The Malcolm Jenkins FoundationThe Camp activities will include a group skill station training, position specific training and an obstacle course competition.June 16th is for kids between the ages of 7-13 and June 17th is for kids between the ages of 14-18. The camp runs from 9 am - 3 pm on both days.Registration is $65 per camper and each camper will receive a camp shirt, pair of football cleats and lunch.To sign up, go to http://www.proxfootballcamp.com or call 504-305-7563.

Urban League of Greater New Orleans and Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Team Up To Deliver Scholarship

Malcolm Jenkins established the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation in 2010, to effectuate a positive change in the lives of youth, particularly youth living in underserved communities The Urban League of Greater New Orleans and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Team Up To Deliver Life Skills, Mentoring and Scholarship Program Malcolm Jenkins Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. (Reinforcing Education With Activities, Recreation & Developmental Supports)While the social need for after-school programming is evident, the need for academic and social interventions is even more pronounced. Less than 60 percent of students who enter public high schools in Orleans Parish successfully complete in four years. Only two percent go on to enroll in college and less than one percent actually graduate from college. In an effort to assist students from under-served communities to remain in school and on track for high school graduation and success in college and beyond, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans and New Orleans Saints player Malcolm Jenkins’ foundation are partnering to offer a life skills, mentorship and scholarship program to enhance the Student Life component of the Urban League College Track program. Urban League College Track is an after-school college preparatory program for students in grades 9 – 12. The partnership will create a strong infrastructure to support students while maximizing learning opportunities and educational experiences.Throughout the program students will learn leadership skills, effective communication, strategic thinking, goal setting, and health and fitness awareness. Life skills will be taught using a combination of creative teaching techniques, including group discussion, intellectual exercises, games, leadership retreats and college tours. “We recognize the powerful influence of a professional athlete who seeks to empower youth with tools necessary for their sustained development and productivity, said Nolan V. Rollins, President & CEO, Urban League of Greater New Orleans. Malcolm Jenkins is that athlete. He is an outstanding and exemplary role model on and off the field. We are proud to partner with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation on this very important initiative to improve the life chances and personal outcomes for our youth.”As incoming freshmen, Urban League College Track students will be introduced to the core aspects of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s program. To encourage students and keep them engaged, the program is designed to deliver progressive rewards yearly. Students who successfully complete the Urban League College Track Student Life program and The Malcolm Jenkins Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. curriculum will be considered for scholarships. “Our youth today face many adversities and pressures which oftentimes create great challenges. It is my hope that through the work of the Foundation and this partnership, we will help youth overcome barriers to success and reach their full potential,” said Malcolm Jenkins, Chairman of the Board,The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.For more information on the Urban League College Track Program and the Malcolm Jenkins Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S., contact sburnside@urbanleagueneworleans.org.About the Urban League of Greater New OrleansEstablished in 1910, the Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-driven agency devoted to securing economic self-reliance, parity, power and equal rights for African Americans. The Urban League of Greater New Orleans was founded in 1938, and is one of 97 chapters of the National Urban League. The Urban League of Greater New Orleans is dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved communities in New Orleans. Through our Centers of Excellence, the Urban League provides direct services in the areas of education, economic development, social advocacy and policy development. For more information on the Urban League, visit them online at www.urbanleagueneworleans.org.About Urban League College TrackUrban League College Track (ULCT) is an after-school, college preparatory program that works to increase high school graduation, college eligibility and enrollment, and college completion rates among low-income students in New Orleans. ULCT actively engages students in high quality programming from the summer before ninth grade through college completion. Through a three-tiered approach of direct services, community partnerships, and advocacy, Urban League College Track is working to serve a critical mass of high school students and helping to transform low-income communities into places where college readiness and college graduation are the norm. ULCT partners with community organizations and schools to ensure students’ success.About The Malcolm Jenkins FoundationMalcolm Jenkins established the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation in 2010, to effectuate a positive change in the lives of youth, particularly youth living in underserved communities; by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences that will help youth succeed in life and become contributing members of the community. The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is committed to youth development initiatives and programs, which emphasize mentorship, character development, leadership, education, life skills and recreation. The Foundation embraces the values of Integrity, Responsibility, Service, Community and Fiscal Accountability. These values serve as the building blocks for its youth program initiatives. For more information on The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, visit them online at http://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org.

2nd annual Crimestoppers and Q93 Teen Peace Summit to take place Saturday at Lakefront Arena

Saturday, May 19, Crimestoppers and Q93.3 FM will reprise the Teen Peace Summit, a free afternoon event for New Orleans-area teens intended to provide both inspiration and constructive opportunities for the summer. Presented in partnership with First NBC Bank, Fox 8, the University of New Orleans and dozens of greater New Orleans area youth organizations, the summit will offer raffles, giveaways, and appearances by local celebrities as well as a summer job fair and mentoring opportunities.Beginning at 2:45 p.m., there will also be live music from a host of local and national performers. Opening acts include J.C. Styles, Kali Red, Lucky Lou and others; the main show, which begins at 3 p.m., features Young Money artists Lil Chuckee and Lil Twist as well as YMCMB label president Mack Maine; also featured are Dee-1, Big Freedia, R&B singers Rantz and Kris Baptiste, rappers Team Robot and more.Doors open at the UNO Lakefront Arena at 1 p.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19. Free admission.

MALCOLM JENKINS, WILD WAYNE, AND CHEF MICHAEL SICHEL AMONG JUDGES FOR LEMONADE TASTING CONTEST

   NEW ORLEANS -Lemonade Day City Champion Karyn Kearney and Louisiana Lemonade Day Founder and Georges Enterprises CEO John Georges were joined by over 50 youth from across the Greater New Orleans area as well as representatives from the Junior League of New Orleans for the annual SIPPIN' INTO SUMMER Lemonade Tasting Contest.Celebrity judges for the event included New Orleans Saints Defensive Player Malcolm Jenkins, Galatoires' Chef Michael Sichel, Clear Channel Radio Personality Wild Wayne, and a number of other local celebrities.What: SIPPIN' INTO SUMMER Lemonade Tasting ContestWhen: Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. - 12noonWhere: The Audubon Zoo's Shell Wildlife Theater, 6500 Magazine Street

Malcolm Jenkins, Saints, along with 'We Stand as One NOLA,' take aim at violence

 NEW ORLEANS - The Saints are as much a part of the New Orleans fabric as red beans and rice.When something impacts the city like violence has, the players get involved and take a stand against it.On Friday night, current and former Saints will take on some of the city's finest and bravest in a charity basketball game to raise money and awareness.The Black and Gold Hoops Challenge starts at 6 p.m. in the Brother Martin High School gym.Tickets are $5 for students and $12 dollars for adults. The proceeds from the event benefit the foundations of the Saints players participating and the "We Stand as One..Love NOLA" initiative.For more information, call 305-7563 or visit http://www.westandasone.org/ 

'Cease Fire' program aims to help stop violence in New Orleans

Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Criminal Justice Commissioner James Carter were joined by community and faith-based leaders at Israelite Baptist Church as CeaseFire New Orleans announced that it has fully launched its Central City operations. CeaseFire New Orleans is a community-based violence prevention and interruption program launched by Mayor Landrieu as a part of the City’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination under Commissioner Carter. The program uses street level outreach and conflict mediation to reduce incidences of homicide and gun violence in strategically chosen target areas. CeaseFire New Orleans is an initiative of the City of New Orleans, operated by the Urban League of Greater New Orleans.“My number one priority is reducing violent crime and murder,” said Mayor Landrieu. “We know that we can all be safe if we work together to help change behaviors that result in violence. The culture of death and violence is not acceptable. Together, we must reject violence as an acceptable response to solving problems.”Commissioner Carter said, “One of the goals of CeaseFire New Orleans is to instill a sense of hope in this Central City community. We can have a Central City free of fear, free of hatred, and free of shootings and killings. We must interrupt the violence.”The funding for CeaseFire New Orleans’ community mobilization and public education campaign comes from a Baptist Community Ministries Transom grant. The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention and the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation has also provided funding. Operational funds are provided by the City to Urban League of Greater New Orleans.New Orleans Saints player Malcolm Jenkins also contributed to the effort. He stated, “Not long after being drafted to the New Orleans Saints, I had the pleasure to work with the organizers of CeaseFire under the previous name of Solutions not Shootings.From that time to today, I have admired their leadership and dedication to save their city and its youth. In that spirit, while we work to reduce violence in our streets, we must also encourage our youth to help their neighbors and neighborhoods become stronger and better. It does not take a lot of money, it takes a lot of love. On behalf of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, where it is our goal to work with our youth to strengthen character, and develop service and leadership skills, it is an honor to join CeaseFire and the City of New Orleans in this team effort to reduce violence in our city and to improve the lives of our teens and young adults.”At the September 2011 Saving Our Sons Crime Action Summit, Mayor Landrieu made a commitment to pursue and fund the CeaseFire model at a level of $250,000. This commitment contributed to the implementation of a CeaseFire program in Central City that community members and institutions have worked to get off of the ground since 2010. In January 2012, Mayor Landrieu committed an additional $500,000 to expand implementation of Ceasefire New Orleans into an additional neighborhood – St.Roch.

Malcolm Jenkins Awards Equipment Grant to High School Alma Mater With Support From USA Football

Piscataway (N.J.) High School will receive a $1,500 equipment grant New Orleans Saints safety MALCOLM JENKINS and USA Football will donate a $1,500 equipment grant to the football program at Piscataway (N.J.) High School, Jenkins’ alma mater. USA Football named Jenkins to its 2011 All-Fundamentals Team last December, honoring 26 NFL players who employ proper technique for younger players to emulate.Each All-Fundamentals Team player is awarded a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school program of his choice. Jenkins selected Piscataway High. Jenkins has made a habit of breaking up passes through strong coverage skills and patience. He is consistently cognizant of when a pass is coming his way and effectively times his move or leap for the ball to register an incompletion.Indianapolis-based USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the Saints, the NFL and each of the league’s other 31 teams. Employing core football fundamentals advances a youth player’s performance and safety. USA Football has educated more than 75,000 youth football coaches in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through its online courses and single-day coaching clinics since 2006. Approximately 3 million American children age 6-14 play organized tackle football, placing it among the country’s most popular youth sports.

 
 

We aim to empower youth to transcend the limits of their circumstance and reach their full potential.

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