THE JOURNEY
"BACKSTORY"
IT STARTED AND REMAINS A COMMITMENT TO DOING THE RIGHT THING
The vision began with one woman, Betty Taufoou. Betty was a single mother whose unconditional love, passion, hard work, and dedication to T [LEMO Founder] and his sister, Trina, became the inspiration for the LEMO Foundation. Growing up, they faced many hardships. Still, Betty found a way to provide her kids with opportunities to be successful, and her commitment to strong values, high-quality education, and creating a better life for her children became the founding principles of the LEMO Foundation.
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Inspired by Betty’s commitment to family, T & his wife, Ali, founded The LEMO Foundation to honor her legacy. On September 11, 2008, Ali and T opened their modest two-bedroom apartment to create opportunities for under-served student-athletes to pursue their dreams of a better life. Ali & T turned their dining room into an academic resource center with two desktop computers, converted their family room into a bedroom helping young student-athletes who needed a warm place to sleep, and utilized the hills surrounding their apartment and local tracks as their workout facility. 100% committed, mind, body, and soul!
WE ARE REIMAGINING
ACCESS
In underserved communities, talented student athletes struggle to realize their potential. Student athletes from low-income backgrounds and student athletes of color fare the worst, with poorer outcomes on a range of academic, social, emotional, and life dimensions. These gaps by race and income are structural and inequities have worsened over time. With expanded access to resources and enriching experiences, all student athletes can thrive.
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LEMO exists to close the opportunity gap for low income communities ensuring that all student athletes have access to high-quality enrichment and development supports. We are a one-stop-shop for student athletes to engage in sports, education, and community programming, and we bridge communities through access and opportunity.
WE HARNESS THE POWER OF
STUDENt ATHLETES
Participation in youth sports not only promotes physical health. but also fosters social, emotional, and cognitive development, instilling valuable life skills and character traits that contribute to overall well-being and success in various aspects of life.
Our diverse set of programs and initiatives centered on sport, education and community are anchored by a shared culture of growth and development. Through a supportive campus and enrichment programs, we enable student athletes to play, learn, and grow to their full potential.
"MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH US"
"DON'T EXPECT TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR DREAMS IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO HELP OTHERS ACCOMPLISH THEIRS."
Donate to LEMO, a strategic initiative, or sponsor a student-athlete.
GET
Connect and grow the LEMO community with your network.
WORK
Volunteer at LEMO, offer professional services, host a dinner or fundraiser.