Giving kids in underserved communities a safe place to play, learn and grow
A space to play
To youth in an Atlanta neighborhood, a newly refurbished basketball court is so much more than a nice place to play.
It is a safe place to hang out. It connects kids and their families to community resources like food, exercise and mentors. It even exposes young people to new and different opportunities, like career choices and etiquette training. For some kids, it truly is a lifeline.
The Atlanta nonprofit organization Art in the Paint teamed up with UnitedHealthcare and Georgia Tech basketball players Michael DeVoe and Jordan Usher to debut a newly refurbished basketball court in Rose Park, near the Atlanta Beltline’s westside trail. The project was made possible by a $25,000 donation from UnitedHealthcare with the goal to create a safe place for kids in an underserved community to play basketball and engage in local mentorship programs.
“At UnitedHealthcare, we are committed to helping people live healthier lives, even beyond the health system. We want to encourage these children and community members of all ages to get outside and be active to increase their physical and emotional well-being.” said Dr. Toyosi Okurounmu, medical director of UnitedHealthcare of Georgia.
The event included a free basketball clinic led by the two Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket basketball players, as well as a dedication from Atlanta’s City Council, honoring Art in the Paint and UnitedHealthcare for their impact on the community.
