Respect The Journe Inc Fund

Respect The Journe. (J)oining (O)thers (U)nder (R)ighteousness (N)obility (E)quality. In the summer of 2019, two childhood friends Jamal Long and Bryan Smith found themselves at different times starting a new life in North Carolina from New York City. Ultimately, coming together with a similar idea of mentoring the youth using basketball as the foundation. What was to come was something we could've never imagined and planned for with the effects of COVID-19. As you can envision, it hit and affected us just as it's done so many others. A lot of the ideas and activities we started with came with financial responsibilities which fell solely on our own pockets. Just as with any startup business your main concern will be capital and figuring out how you will acquire what you need to make your dream a reality. It came to a point where we had to decide to continue to push forward with our plans or focus on making sure respective home life didn't succumb to the pandemic. We made the choice to not allow this to put out our fire and what we ultimately know will be something the community wanted and needed. But we are asking for help from the community to help us push on and push forward. We have heard the responses from the community, which has been very receptive to our program. There is a sufficient lack in the type of program we are presenting and the interest has been shown. We are looking to pay forward what we were blessed to have as kids ourselves which was guidance and mentors. Our main objective is to build a positive community-based program and safe place, for the future of our world to grow, learn, and prepare themselves to be the leaders of tomorrow. All it takes is for one soul to care enough. Our actions will speak to the identity of who we are as individuals collectively wanting to make a positive change first in our community and then communities around the world. With these funds that you all graciously donate will help us to acquire reliable safe transpiration for our kids as well as necessary equipment needed for adequate training and other necessities which will allow our program to flourish. We have seen first hand the significant change our time and efforts have meant thus far to our kids and participants, and we know we can have that same effect on a larger scale if given the opportunity. The lesson is within the Journe and the benefits of the knowledge you obtain along the way. We respect each individual's Journe and we want to take those steps with you. We truly need your help to make an impact and difference in their young lives. Any donation will make a tremendous significance in turning a vision into a reality.