Vero Beach, FL – Crossover Mission is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Kenny Holmes Foundation, uniting two local organizations dedicated to empowering youth through sports, mentoring, and academic support. This collaboration brings together community leaders Antoine Jennings, Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Crossover Mission, and Kenneth “Kenny” Holmes, a former NFL defensive end and founder of the Kenny Holmes Foundation. Both Antoine and Kenny are natives of Vero Beach.
Led by a dedicated staff and team of volunteer mentors, this partnership will leverage Crossover’s 40,000 square foot, newly-renovated Center for Excellence to provide a comprehensive academic support system for local youth. It underscores the importance of the “It Takes a Village” approach to raising children and teens, emphasizing that working together creates stronger communities.
The collaboration is rooted in the shared belief that academic success is fundamental to developing healthy, prosperous, and civic-minded adults. By combining our resources and expertise, we’re ready to make an even greater impact in our community.
“Coming together will be a blessing for the children and teens of Indian River County for many years to come,” says Kenny Holmes. Antoine Jennings adds, “It is important that we, the adults, show that we can work together in the best interest of these kids. ‘It takes a village’ is more than just a slogan. They are not our kids, but Gods.”
The mentoring programs offered by Crossover Mission and the Kenny Holmes Foundation are designed to enhance the personal and academic development of young athletes. Research shows having a coach as a mentor significantly increases the likelihood of completing high school and college, demonstrating the positive impact of mentorship beyond participation in sports. Coach mentors provide essential guidance and support, encouraging academic persistence and success for youth, regardless of their baseline academic performance. This initiative aims to harness the power of mentorship to foster resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence in student athletes.
Crossover Mission and Kenny Holmes Foundation are seeking support to kickstart their collaboration. The organizations aim to raise $10,000 to fund essential program resources, including after-school transportation and one-to-one tutoring. Contributions from the community will play a crucial role in providing the youth with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the basketball court and football field.
For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact: Triana Romero, Director of Development, 772.257.5400, tromero@crossovermission.com. Your support and coverage of this important initiative are greatly appreciated.
