Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dan Williams, Founder, President and CEO of The Playbook for Success Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development and literacy programs targeting children from 2nd to 12th grade. Williams shares his background as a former NFL player and discusses the foundation's mission to provide mentorship, health and wellness, and literacy programs, currently operating in Memphis with plans to expand across Tennessee. The interview covers Williams' personal experiences with mentorship and coaching, his foundation's holistic approach to youth development, and how community members can support their efforts through various means including time, donations, and social media engagement.

Summary:

The Playbook for Success Foundation Interview

Jeremy C. Park interviews Dan Williams, Founder, President and CEO of The Playbook for Success Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development and literacy. Williams shares his background as a former NFL player and his journey from playing football to establishing his foundation, which began in Oakland and now operates in Tennessee. He discusses his passion for giving back to the community and his experience growing up in Memphis, where he was inspired by local success stories.

Mission Overview

Dan discusses the mission of The Playbook for Success Foundation, which aims to provide a solid foundation for children from any background to succeed. The foundation offers mentorship, health and wellness, and literacy programs, with a focus on literacy as a key tool for success. They target children from 2nd to 12th grade and currently run an after-school program at Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, serving middle and high school students.

Children's Wellness Program Discussion

Dan discusses their approach to working with kids, emphasizing a team-oriented mindset and using Scholastic Books to encourage literacy. He shares positive feedback from students and parents about their holistic programs, including summer camps that focus on health, wellness, and emotional support. The camps cover various aspects of wellness, including emotional health, and incorporate activities like relay races and guest speakers to promote healthy lifestyles.

Community Support for Literacy Foundation

Dan discusses how the community can support his foundation's efforts, emphasizing the value of time spent with children. He outlines plans to expand the literacy program across Tennessee within five years, starting with Memphis and eventually reaching Nashville and East Tennessee. Dan also mentions accepting in-kind donations, financial contributions, and social media engagement as ways for the community to get involved.

Mentorship Impact on Youth Development

Dan shares his personal experience of how mentorship and coaching significantly influenced his life, both on and off the football field. He emphasizes the importance of listening to mentors and learning from their experiences, highlighting how specific advice about behavior and its consequences had a lasting impact on his performance. Dan also discusses his ongoing efforts to mentor young people, drawing parallels between sports coaching and educational teaching, and mentioned his foundation's work in providing opportunities for youth.

Daniel shares his experience of providing support at East High School, which led to a student receiving a scholarship to play football in college and then become a teacher. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in education.

To learn more about The Playbook for Success Foundation, visit http://www.theplaybook.org or email dan@theplaybook.org.