Mission

Warrick Dunn Charities's mission is to help families thrive socially, economically and educationally.

Category

Family Support

Additional Information

Warrick Dunn Charities, a 501(c)(3) recognized nonprofit, helps families thrive academically, socially and economically. Warrick Dunn, former all-pro running back and philanthropist, founded the charity during his rookie season in the National Football League to honor his late mother. Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer was killed while working an off-duty assignment. Dunn was an 18 year-old high school senior left to raise his brothers and sisters. Moved by the outpouring of support following his mother's death, Warrick promised to one day give back to the community that had given so much to him and his siblings during their time of need. Through Warrick Dunn Charities Homes for the Holidays ® and Betty's Hope ® programming, Dunn memorializes his mother while giving hope and healing to communities.  Betty’s Hope Children’s Bereavement program empowers youth to manage grief in a responsive environment to heal and enhance their quality of life. Betty’s Hope® is an innovative and unique mobile outreach program based in Baton Rouge, La. that offers grief education, tools and resources to children ages 5-18, caregivers and community members. Homes for the Holidays ® transforms the lives of single-parent families by rewarding hard work of individuals who are actively demonstrating a commitment to achieve financial independence and stability through first-time homeownership. Homes for the Holidays®, in partnership with homeownership programs and corporations, provides down-payment assistance and fills homes of single-parent families with furnishings to ease the expense of new homeownership. HIGHLIGHTS More than $2.5 million dollars in cash and donations awarded to single parents since 1997 Over 126 families assisted through Homes for the Holidays ® Over 1,500 persons educated on grief and over 350 students served since October 2012