Episode 23 - Raising up Disadvantaged Kids with Crossover Mission

Locally Grown with Jim Fini

A few years ago when my son was looking for a summer league basketball team to join, he came across a local AAU team that was really outstanding. He wondered if he was good enough even to make the team. When he inquired, he was introduced to Coach Antoine Jennings who gave him the low down on the requirements for joining his crew. It wasn’t like other AAU teams where you just tried out and if you were good enough, you were in. Crossover was different. In order to play, you had to meet strict personal, academic and tutoring requirements. Marcus had to commit to becoming an academic tutor at the Crossover Mission for disadvantaged kids before he would be eligible to join the team. When he told my wife and I about it, we were curious. As we learned more, it became clear that their mission was incredible, and we encouraged Marcus to get involved. Before you know, our whole family got involved tutoring kids. It’s been a rewarding experience and we have learned so much, not to mention making new friends. So, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Crossover co-founders Cathy DeSchouwer and Coach Antoine Jennings to our show to tell their incredible story.