EMPOWERING THE YOUTH THROUGH ASSIST COMMUNITY CENTER

Hello, my name is William Carter, Executive Direct of ASSIST. Many talented student athletes in the greater Virginia area, and surrounding counties dream of playing intercollegiate sports and getting a college education. So many student athletes' struggle academically because they are sidetracked by negative peer pressures and the lack of having a parent or mentor providing guidance. In many instances, these students are not aware of the requirements to go on to college. Additionally, a significant percentage are from low-income families; therefore, they may not have the opportunity to participate in sporting activities that will provide them exposure to potential college coaches.

Over the past 15 years the Athlete Scholastic Support Initiative for Securing Success Tomorrow (ASSIST) student athlete program has filled this void for many student athletes. ASSIST has actively aided over 2000 young adults with the potential and desire to attend college. ASSIST has saved families millions of dollars through helping students acquire college scholarships. The A.S.S.I.S.T Foundation was established in 2003 in Richmond, Virginia to help athletically gifted, but academically challenged, young men and women gain admittance into college and to provide academic support to build a foundation for future success.

ASSIST services increase vital social and academic skills and seek opportunities for student athletes to compete for college

admission. Services provided include the following: seminars, mentorship, research and exposure to prospective colleges and universities through organized campus visits. The demand for ASSIST services has dramatically increased in the past year. As a result

of ASSIST success, our services are also being sought out by students that are academically and athletically strong. As a result, ASSIST has expanded assistance to serve students of every intellectual caliber in hopes of increasing the overall number of student athletes attending higher education institutions with costs fully or partially deferred. Often times in the Central Virginia area, talented student athletes do not have an advocate to make contact with college coaches in order to gain the opportunity to showcase their talents. ASSIST has cultivated relationships with colleges and universities throughout the United States, resulting in a proven track record of success in making those contacts.

The following testimonials are from a student and parent who have benefited from the ASSIST program:

“Mr. Carter has been a great help to me. Since day one, he has always been positive. He has done so much for me, and he is the reason why I am attending Cleveland State Community College.

Mr. Carter opened my eyes to a different route which many players overlooked. Instead of directly going to a four-year institution, he gave me such options as enrolling in a junior college or preparatory

school. Mr. Carter made the necessary phone calls that eventually landed me a full scholarship. I truly recommend him to anyone who is SERIOUS about playing college ball. I have complete trust and faith

in him.”

“The ASSIST Foundation’s mission is to provide assistance to student athletes whose goal is to participate in intercollegiate sports. Without this service these athletes may be overlooked in the recruiting process. College helps to build an academic foundation for their future success. Thanks to Mr. Carter and Mr. Copeland my daughter Tonya Clark will have the opportunity to both further her

education and play basketball. It was at Mr. Carter’s showcase that Tonya was scouted and recruited by many DI and DII colleges. Tonya signed with Delaware State University, and we owe this tremendous opportunity to Mr. Carter’s Assist Student Athlete program. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! THANK YOU!!”

The ASSIST program has grown tremendously over the years. Our success has reached a point in which we were awarded a facility which we can provide, summer programs before/after school programs, mentorship programs, autism programs, adult treatment center, programs for the disabled, academic coaching, tutoring, and supports, host year-round events, and provide a safe and secure facility for our kids to train and develop in preparation for collegiate academic and athletic success. ASSIST Leaders of Today Community Center will be a multipurpose facility with 1 full basketball court with a spacious lounge area which reach our community needs. Our location is 318 W.19th Street Richmond Va 23224.

The following items includes many of the materials and supplies requested to renovate the ASSIST Community center:

Any monetary donations and items are appreciated. We expect to make a grand opening May 1st, 2024.

Two 15 passenger vans, computers, desk, furniture, cameras, laptops, TVs, pool tables, ping pong tables, bumper pool tables, grills, microwaves, refrigerators, board games, art supplies, books, buses, etc.

The ASSIST Leaders of Today Community Center will empower youth, and adults all ages to participate in activities, which offer lessons in teamwork, healthy communication, and relationships, as we set goals toward a productive lifestyle. Thank you in advance for your

consideration and support.