“These Kids Can Do Anything They Want to Do.”
-JRaymond Scott, Coach
Working the Team Throughout the history of the program, Scott has managed all the expenses from the team’s travels and associated costs through individual donations and money from his own pockets. He is now working with the executive director of the Choices Behavioral Health Center, Luther Jones, to form the group into a 501(c)(3) organization. In March 2020, Scott lost his job at the local labor union due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, he has received unemployment assistance.Though his income is currently restricted, Scott says funding the program remains a priority. “There have been times where I’ve taken money we could have used to pay the bills and bought coats for the kids or some extra lunches. Some years, it’s been tight. But I thank God that I’m in the position that I can actually do something for them.”
Over the years, as his teams have graduated, many of them have returned to thank their former coach for his guidance and unyielding love. “Ones that are now in other areas of their lives or have even been to prison will come back and say, ‘Coach, you were right about everything.Thank you for everything you taught us about and told us.’ Most of them will come back to the program and talk to the kids who are here now.” Scott has been diagnosed with asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure and often entertains thoughts of retiring from his work. “Every year, I say I need someone to come and fill my shoes. But, every year, God shows me I have to keep going. I love these kids, and I can’t stand to see any of them in need of something. My goal is to keep them believing that they can do better and show them they can get on the right track and stay focused.That’s my calling.”
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