Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ McCoy.
Hi TJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Empowering youth: My passion for helping youth began when I was at UF in 2017. There were a lot of kids that couldn’t afford tickets to the games, so we went around to schools and handed out tickets. I always did community service things and my professor suggested I start my own organization. Now I run it on our campus at Hope International Church in Groveland.
EYP: is a nonprofit that offers year-round programs (Summer and After school programs, monthly events, sport programs, dance, technology, and behavioral services). We want to keep this organization going strong for decades to come! We want to always be a beacon of hope for the youth and their parents!
My passion: Helping kids, especially in the foster care system. I visit a group every week and talk about different stuff and have them write down their goals in life and talk about how to achieve that.
Saying I live by: There’s more to life than football. A professor told me that one time and it has stuck with me. Even though I’m retired, there’s so much I can do for the community.
Central Florida needs: More community programs for kids. That’s why our foundation acquired qualified professionals to help in our summer programming, which involved free tutoring, a professional NFL trainer who trained young athletes, and a former New York Knicks dancer for the ladies.
Biggest inspiration: My father (Tony McCoy). He grew up in a bad area and made something out of himself through football. He’s also a two-time cancer survivor. Seeing him fight through that makes me know I can get through anything. It was also inspiring to see my mother (Jodie McCoy) become the backbone and support during that tough time. Last but not least my fiance and future wife Meraiah Hill she has supported my dream and vision and I could not do the things I do today if it wasn’t for her supporting and believing in me along with my family!
My reason for living: I do everything I do because of my faith in Jesus Christ. There’s a whole lot of people in my life that have been so supportive and it’s all because of Jesus.
Played football at University of Florida
Free agent for New York Giants
Played in NFL Spring League
Degree in Family, Youth, and Community Services from the University of Florida.
Started second non-profit which also a mobile home healthcare agency, MasterCare-Givers (Mission Statement is to help every child and adult with special needs to help find the athlete within themselves. Helping them be more active, giving them the care, they need and helping them be more independent if they can in their daily lives. We know the stigma that comes with having any disability and we at Master Care-Givers want to prove that having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t live a life of purpose!
Master Care-Givers Vision is to change the stigma of caregiving, and we strive to find people that want to help others and treat their clients with respect and give them proper care!
Master Care-Givers Motto is redefining health care and helping all people with disabilities find the athlete within!)
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting everything started was a huge struggle!
I started both of my nonprofits in college. But once I graduated and decided that I wasn’t going to pursue football anymore that’s when the real work started.
In order for me to get to a point where we have a successful community program and a growing health care agency, I had to work two jobs to provide funds for everything our nonprofits do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Empowering Young People is a non-profit organization that provides community programs that involve mentorship, sports, education, technology, and career opportunities for youth in local city governments!
Empowering Young People is also a school vendor and is opening a Behavioral Services practice for children with developmental disabilities.
Master Care-Givers is a nonprofit directed children and adults with disabilities.
Master Care-Givers is also a mobile healthcare agency that provides services for people on the Medicaid waiver!
Master Care-Givers provides free community programs for people with disabilities at the local community gymnasium in Groveland Florida!
Master Care-Givers also has a statewide partnership with Special Olympics Florida!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would advise anyone to find a mentor that is doing what you want to do! Make sure you’re eager to learn! And knowledge isn’t free! Be prepared to invest in your future and your dream! Don’t look for handouts, look for opportunities!
Pricing:
- If you want to help support EYP or Master Care-Givers call 352-366-8931
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empoweringyp.com/
- Instagram: empoweringyoungpeople
- Facebook: Empowering Young People Foundation
- Linkedin: TJ McCoy
