May 12, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY

Boston Celtics Forward Leon Powe Receives NBA Community Assist Award for April

Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for April in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.

Powe is being honored, in part, for the recent launch of his mentor program at the Middle School Academy (MSA) in Dorchester, Mass.  As a child, Powe was placed in foster care and experienced everything from homelessness to academic failure and hopelessness.  He is sharing his story about overcoming obstacles and becoming a professional basketball star with the young boys in the hope that it will inspire them to achieve their goals.

The Middle School Academy provides an alternative learning environment for Boston Public School students who have struggled academically and behaviorally in traditional classroom settings.  Powe chose this school because he felt that the students had the greatest need and that he could have a positive impact on their lives.  Through the program, Powe conducts regular visits with 13 boys at the school and rewards the four who he feels are making the most significant academic and personal strides with tickets to Celtics games.  After the games, Powe invites the boys down to the court to introduce them to his teammates and spend time with them.  In recognition of his contribution to Boston’s youth, the Massachusetts Mentoring Partnership plans to honor Powe as a “Champion of Mentoring” at an upcoming event.

 “Leon has inspired hope and shown the boys the importance of perseverance,” said MSA Program Director Yvonne Vest in a letter to the Celtics.  “His ongoing commitment to the students means the world to them and to the staff.”

Powe is also the president and co-founder of Fresh Start Family Services, a nonprofit organization based in his hometown of Oakland, Calif.  The organization provides mentorship and independent living skills services to teens coming out of the foster care system in an effort to help them transition smoothly and become contributing members of their community.    Powe’s personal experience showed him the importance of support and guidance and he credits his own mentor, Bernard Ward, for helping him get where he is today.

“I feel so blessed to be in a position where I can help kids in the same way that my mentor helped me,” said Powe.  “I know how difficult it is to be in their situation and I really want to give them every opportunity to succeed.”

As the April NBA Community Assist Award recipient, Powe will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.”  In addition, a $5,000 donation will be given by the NBA to Powe to support Fresh Start Family Services.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.