The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc. (CJJRF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2008 by Calvin Johnson Jr., All-Pro NFL wide receiver of the Detroit Lions. The Foundation is dedicated to the education, training, and social development of at-risk youth, along with providing financial assistance to community organizations.
Since its inception, CJJRF has assisted hundreds of youth with limited financial resources “catch” their dreams on and off the field. The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation strives to provide opportunities that will impact the lives of youth and allow them to rise out of seemingly difficult situations and mature into productive members of society.
Mission: To change the mindset of youth from struggle to survival, from poor self-esteem to excitement of life, from dependent thinking to goal setting self-sufficiency, and from hopelessness to empowerment.
Motto: “Catching Dreams”
Vision: To foster social, economical, physical, and intellectual intergenerational change.
Goal: To assist youth with catching their college and career dreams through participation in relevant, realistic, and rigorous programs during their progression to adulthood.
HIGHLIGHTS:
*Since 2008, CJJRF has awarded scholarships and book awards to 36 deserving student-athletes.
*In 2014, 28 past and present CJJRF Scholars will participated in the 3rd Annual Leadership Conference
*Hundreds of youth have participated in free football camps with NFL Athletes and other professionals.
*CJJRF has fed countless needy families in Atlanta and Detroit areas.
*Toy Drives sponsored by CJJRF have supplied holiday gifts and personal care packages to over 200 hundred homeless children and children of incarcerated women.
*In 2014, CJJRF developed a parternship with L’anse Creuse High School in Harrison Twp – MI to provide incentives, football camps and scholarships for deserving students
*In 2012, CJJRF provided scholarships and sponsorships to 10 impoverished children of Haiti who lacked access to school. In partnership with Phi Tau Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the combined donations will cover their tuition, uniform and school supplies for the 2012 school year.
*Each year, CJJRF participates in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to raise awareness and money to find cures and support programs and services for those facing the disease.
*100% Volunteer Effort
404-388-5845
Executive Board
Calvin Johnson Jr.
President/Founder
Arica R. Johnson, Ed.D.
Vice President/Co-Executive Director
Wali’ R. Johnson
Secretary
Rev. Heulet Arnold
Treasurer
Neeka B. Arnold
Parliamentarian
Karen Crews & Montenna Porter
Co-Executive Directors