We believe in kids, and we show it.
Believe In U was founded in 2009 as the Usama Young Youth Foundation, with one goal: empower young people through mentorship and volunteering. It started with free football and cheer camps. It grew into college tours, after-school enrichment, scholarships and a summer camp that changes lives.
Telling a kid you believe in them is easy. We make sure to show it, through mentorship, shadowing opportunities and people who keep showing up.
Empowering youth through education and mentorship to become leaders and build a brighter, more peaceful future.
Founder and President
Usama Young.
Usama grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, earned a football scholarship to Kent State, and played eight seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders. He won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints and was twice his team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
He started the foundation while he was still playing, and he has run it ever since. His rule for kids and for himself: work hard, but make sure you are having fun doing it. And never listen to people who tell you that you cannot accomplish your goals.
Usama also leads a leadership advisory practice for teams and companies. It is a separate company from the foundation.
Leadership and board.
Teachers, a social worker, two attorneys and a school administrator. People who have done the work with kids.
Yusuf Young
Co-founder and Executive Director
An educator with more than twenty years of experience as a teacher, coach, school leader and district administrator.
Jared Gourrier
Board Chair
A former elementary teacher with Atlanta Public Schools who helps guide the vision of Camp F.L.O. and keeps the program grounded in what works for students.
Darrin McCall, LCSW
Board Secretary
A licensed clinical social worker and President of Youth Empowerment Project, with deep expertise in trauma-informed practice, youth development and community-driven solutions.
Andrew Meaders
Board Treasurer
A New Orleans attorney at Phelps Dunbar who spent nearly a decade teaching English, civics and government at Frederick Douglass High School.
Jackie Hickman
Board Member
A trial attorney in commercial and environmental litigation who spent six years teaching middle school science and social studies in New Orleans.
Kendall T. Crawford
Board Member
Director of Student Affairs at St. Augustine High School, focused on student programs, strategic initiatives and experiential learning.
Join the people who show up.
Volunteer at an adventure day, sponsor a camper, or bring Camp F.L.O. to your school.