Rodney Smith brings with him close to 20 years of non-profit and consulting experience, and a very strong sense of personal commitment and drive. Forakis Law Firm is proud to announce a new partnership that will allow us to serve the community in a whole new way.
Like many of today's youth, Rod wanted to be a professional athlete! So many children see college and professional athletes on television, but have no idea what it takes for them to reach that level. The media tends to only share the glory, the defeat and often the troubles, but rarely the message of dedication, discipline, sacrifice or the importance of an education.
Rodney was a fortunate young man, for as an 8 year old, he attended a youth sports camp that featured high school, college, and professional athletes that emphasized hard work and education. The positive attitude, the focus on self-worth, and most of all, having the coaches and athletes being supportive and caring, made the difference for him. To have these well-known athletes caring about him despite the fact that they had just met, created a memory and a feeling to last a lifetime.
In 7th grade, Rodney once again fell into good fortune by having a teacher who saw something inside of him and for three year's committed to being Rodney's mentor. Three times a week, the teacher picked Rodney up in the morning and the two would lift weights, while training him on fundamentals of the particular sport he was participating in. This mentor also encouraged Rodney to study for 40 minutes prior to school starting. This period in his life truly left a positive mark.
Little did he know that the experience of that sports camp, when he was eight years old, would later become the cornerstone of which he would build Future for KIDS. Having been supported by his mentor during his adolescence, he was able to gain many insights and acquire numerous tools that would eventually earn Rodney a full athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Nebraska. This path he chose was one that has proven to be fulfilling and rewarding.
As the nations leading NCAA punt returner in 1986, Rodney was definitely on top of his game. Playing for the Cornhuskers under the legendary Coach Tom Osborne provided Rodney numerous unique benefits, but the main accomplishment was that Rodney earned his college degree in four years. After a short run at the NFL with the Raiders and Chiefs, it was finally time for the incredible ride to end and life's real work to begin.
In 1991 Future for KIDS Executive Director, Rodney Smith was offered a chance to coach a baseball team. Unfortunately, the 20 children on that team lacked direction and a sense of positive self-esteem. It was at that time, that the passion and mission for Future for KIDS was launched, providing developmental opportunities in the areas of leadership, mentoring, sports competition and academic skills for boys and girls ages 8 to 13, with a special emphasis on supporting at-risk youth in the community.
Future for KIDS has operated many youth sports camps and mentorship programs that have reached over 129,000 children and parents. The organization utilizes professional athletes with their enormous appeal in the community, to gather the children and parents together. Over 175 professional athletes and coaches have assisted Future for KIDS with their efforts. The impact of the program has proven to be life-changing for many of the participants.
His expertise with working with children in the community has afforded him with the opportunity to help pro athletes serve the community through their own foundations including Ed McCaffrey of the Denver Broncos and David Dellucci of the Cleveland Indians.
In October 2006, Rodney was asked to consult for a military charity under the title of COO, Development Director and helped build the organization supporting wounded service members, their families, and the families of the fatally wounded into a top rated charity known nationally. Over 87% of the money raised goes directly to the military families who need it most.
Elite Charity Management allows Rodney the chance to combine his experiences and passions with Forakis Law Firm and make a difference by providing professional assistance in client's desire to give back to the community by establishing and/or managing their own non-profit organization.