Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ McCoy.
Hi TJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up with a heart for service, and over time that calling became clearer. During my senior year of college in 2019, I recognized a gap in the support and opportunities available for children and adults with special needs. What started as simple volunteer work at a recreation center in Louisville opened my eyes to the lack of programs, activities, and advocacy for this community. When my football career ended, I knew I wanted my next chapter to be focused on purpose, not just profession. That’s what inspired me to start Master Care-Givers an agency dedicated to giving families hope, relief, and meaningful support.
The same passion for people led to Empowering Young People (EYP). I was fortunate to grow up with a strong father and loving parents, but I saw many young men and women who didn’t have that guidance. EYP was born from a desire to fill that gap providing mentorship, leadership, and pathways to success for youth regardless of their circumstances. Whether it’s helping a student discover a trade, prepare for college, or like me use athletics as a stepping stone, my mission has always been to equip the next generation to thrive.
At the core of both organizations is the belief that everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and someone in their corner. That belief continues to drive my work today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Stepping into the world of business and nonprofit leadership at a young age came with a lot of doubt and skepticism. Many people didn’t take me seriously at first, and there were moments when it felt like the work I was doing wouldn’t be recognized or believed in. Building credibility, navigating regulations, and leading organizations designed to serve vulnerable populations wasn’t easy.
I actually started Empowering Young People while I was still in college, and after my football career ended, I devoted myself fully to growing EYP and making a real impact in my community. When I launched Master Care-Givers, I took that same passion and applied it to serving children and adults with special needs. To keep both visions alive in the early stages, I worked three jobs for nearly a year and a half—logging over 80 hours a week—while fundraising, running programs, and building the organizations from the ground up.
It was exhausting and financially challenging, but what carried me through was the unwavering support of my family, my wife, and the people we served. Seeing a special needs family get the services they desperately needed or watching a young person grow in confidence reminded me why the sacrifice mattered. Those struggles shaped me into a more resilient and compassionate leader and proved that meaningful change often starts long before the world notices it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Empowering Young People & Master Care-Givers?
Empowering Young People (EYP) is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering youth across Central Florida. Our mission is to help young people reach their full potential through mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and real-world opportunities. We offer a variety of programs including monthly youth events, summer camps with educational and fun activities, football exposure camps, and initiatives like the Fatherhood Initiative that strengthens families and builds future leaders. At EYP, we believe every child is special and deserves access to mentors, tools, and experiences that help them grow into responsible, confident, and successful adults. 
Master Care-Givers is a compassionate caregiving agency serving both children and adults with special needs. We provide individualized services designed to enhance quality of life, dignity, and independence. Our services include personal support, companionship, respite care, and supported living coaching, all delivered with respect, empathy, and commitment to each individual’s unique needs. We follow strict APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) guidelines and work to change the stigma around caregiving by fostering a culture of empowerment and support for our clients and their families. Master Care-Givers also offers community engagement opportunities and supports meaningful activities that help clients thrive socially and emotionally. 
What sets both organizations apart is our heart-centered approach: we’re not just providing services we’re building relationships, uplifting people, and creating opportunities for long-term impact. Through personal sacrifice, deep community involvement, and a focus on real outcomes, we aim to empower every individual and family we serve to live with purpose, dignity, and hope.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of the podcasts I listen to daily is the PBD Podcast by Patrick Bet-David. I enjoy it because it challenges my thinking on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Beyond that, going to church and listening to sermons consistently keeps me grounded and aligned with my purpose. Spending time with my family and gaining wisdom from my father also plays a major role in helping me stay focused, centered, and committed to serving others more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://master-caregivers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringyoungpeople?igsh=MWp6YW42enk1cW11aw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14R8H9LRR3V/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@riseupdads?si=_ZDZxY5TTu5O6fwE
