The Huddle

The Huddle

CEOC's Quarterly Newsletter - July 2024

Have you ever heard the saying, “Where God guides, God provides!?” If not, add it to your stockpile of confidence boosters!

Founder of CEOC, Scott Turner can certainly attest to its truth. During his journey across the U.S. as the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity Zone Council, he witnessed some of our nation's most distressed communities and the issues that often plague them.

Deeply troubled, Scott felt led to do more; hence the Community Engagement and Opportunity Council (CEOC) was birthed. Its mission is simple, help those in need by utilizing the many gifts, experiences, and strategic relationships God entrusted to the CEOC family. Our founding Board and staff are filled with remarkable individuals who enthusiastically promote and fulfill our mission to transform communities through sports, mentorship, and economic opportunity.

In addition to the Dream Team provision, CEOC has been abundantly blessed in our fundraising efforts! Let's do a REPLAY of our journey thus far!

Advancing the Mission

CEOC could not accomplish our goals without the faithful gifts of donors like you! Every single contribution of your time, talent, and treasure is greatly appreciated and used to directly impact those in need!

Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles was a star studded brunch where celebrity chefs, NFL Legends, and Hollywood actors generously supported our mission.
In Spring of 2023, the Harlan Crow Library hosted our first Partner’s Luncheon. Advisory Board Member, Dr. Ben Carson took the stage and shared how aiding organizations like CEOC could play a role in our nation's restoration.
As our corporate sponsored teams vied for number one at our 2023 Bowling Tournament, the purchase of raffle tickets, Kendra Scott jewelry, and auction items bolstered our efforts!
During the '23 Holiday Season, a generous $100K match was presented and quickly met!
This past Spring, our Partner’s Luncheon was at Dallas' renowned “Old Parkland” campus. Scott Turner outlined CEOC’s vision and appealed for another $100K gift match. Our distinguished panel, Dr. Ben Carson and CEOC’s Board Chair and CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino shared endearing stories of faith, family and life experiences. By the way, the challenge was matched above and beyond!

Touchdowns

Three years of praying, planning, and executing has scored a lot of points for those in need! CEOC’s vision has taken shape in several ways.

LEARNING LABS

To date, CEOC has served more than 35 students and provided over 250 supplemental reading hours!

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Did You Know?

➡️ 67% (or two-thirds) of U.S 4th grade students are not proficient in reading *NAEP

➡️ 130 Million US adults are unable to read a simple story to their children *NLI

➡️ According to the ABCD project, “reading for pleasure in early childhood produces better cognition, mental health and educational attainment in adolescence”.

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CEOC is committed to tackling these issues! Our complimentary after school program aims to build character and improve reading literacy in a caring, fun filled environment. To accomplish this, we use a technology based adaptive reading curriculum, one on one and group literacy activities, and Bible story time with memorization!

FIRST DOWN

CEOC’s First Down Mentorship Program was created to train High School athletes to use their love and talent for the game to go beyond the field of play!

A former NFL player, Scott Turner knows first hand the necessity to steward well the platform God gives. He credits much of his success to several mentors who were instrumental in solidifying the Kingdom mindset that drives every aspect of his life.

CEOC aims to perpetuate this mindset in student athletes by imparting tools that help apply biblical wisdom to navigate opportunities, overcome adversity, build relationships, and light up the world!

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Did You Know?

➡️ 76% of people think mentors are important, but only 37% have one *Forbes, 2019

➡️ Career Termination is the most traumatic experience of an athlete. This often generates identity crisis and coping difficulties. *European Scientific Journal, 9.

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Our “First Down” initiative was launched in February 2024 with 12 high school athletes. They attended 4 interactive training sessions at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters! The sessions were led by former professional and collegiate athletes, and business and community leaders. They covered:

Professional Etiquette - How do I successfully navigate dining in a professional/formal setting?

Role vs. Identity - How do I distinguish between my role as a player and my identity as a person?

Social Media and Safety - How do I protect myself from the dangers of social media/messaging/internet, but also reap its benefits?

Career Success/Resumé Building/HR Panels - What does it look like to start and build a business? How should I present myself in an interview, answer questions, and socialize in a professional setting?

Community Giving

For the past three years, CEOC collaborated with Bridge Builders and provided nearly 1000 back to school supplies for one of the most impoverished communities in Dallas.
CEOC partnered with The Moozie Foundation to support the South Dallas Driving Academy's (SDDA) effort to increase Class C drivers licenses in underserved areas.
Mercy Street is a ministry with a heart much like CEOC’s. Thanks to a generous donation to CEOC from Microsoft, we were able to donate 30 laptaps to their Leadership Institute.

Volunteer with CEOC

The Playbook

CEOC is constantly strategizing to improve and grow our mission. Here's a look at what lies ahead.

Our First Down initiative has garnered strong interest from two universities. In fact, we are partnering with SMU to pilot a four week program in mid July! Tailored to college athletes, it will closely mimic the High School schedule with an added emphasis on transition and the age of NIL (name, image, likeness funding).
CEOC is considering two Learning Lab sites for future openings.
The CEOC Dream Team is expanding! We are excited to welcome Gabrielle Brown and Jennifer Davis!

Gabrielle Brown

Gabby will become our Community Programs Coordinator. She has been interning with us for several months, and volunteering at the New Life Learning Lab for over a year. A native Canadian and budding Texan, Gabby is a former Baylor volleyball player and recent UNT graduate with a BA in Applied Arts and Sciences.

Jennifer Davis

Jenn will be overseeing our Learning Labs. She brings a wealth of experience as a former HS math teacher and homeschooler of 5, including two sets of twin boys! Jenn is a former Duke basketball player and graduate with a BS in Mathematics. She also holds a Masters in Education from National University.

SCOTT'S CORNER

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read about what’s happening at CEOC! It's true what is said about time, the days are long, but the years are short! It's hard to believe that nearly 4 years ago, my team began discussing how the vision for CEOC would materialize. I had the name:

C-ommunity, for all those we would serve
E-ngagement, for how we would get it done
O-ppportunity, for what we would provide
C-ouncil, for those who would shape and execute the vision

And then, the pieces began to come together. As noted, God has provided every single step of the way! It is because of Him, for Him, and with Him that CEOC can and will continue to simply help those who need help!

For each and every one of you who has had your hand in this effort, thank you! Your prayers, labor, finances, and love transforms lives!

Scottie T.