Daryl's Housing and Food Funds

Daryl is the oldest of 6 children that grew up in the face of poverty in East Baltimore. He and his siblings went many days without food in the fridge, a present parental figure, or a space to be themselves. It was drive and determination that brought him through the toughest of times like losing his father and many friends to gun violence. Yet, despite the many challenges, he managed to become one of our star players on the Baltimore Banners Hockey Team and use the sport as an “out” to the inner-city cycle of struggle.

We started taking Daryl to the Patterson Stars Ice Hockey Program in 2011, and the TenderBridge coach-mentors have been working with him ever since. Daryl stands out because he’s always got a backup plan. While in high school his backup plan was to be in the culinary arts program, as he knew he would always have a job as a cook or chef. 10 years later he has beat the odds and is now headed off to Sussex County Community College in Newton, NJ… and hopefully with YOUR help! Daryl will be studying Exercise Science for his Associates Degree and plans to play football there starting August 1st! (That’s only in a few weeks!!) Daryl has a scholarship and a pell grant for tuition, but, is still in need of financial assistance for housing and food. The cost in total is $5,600 and Daryl and his family will appreciate ANYTHING you have to contribute!

Daryl: "Last fall I went to football training camp at Sussex for two weeks. It was the best two weeks of my life. I can't wait to actually go to college classes there in person."

“I’m working hard to achieve my goals and I’ve busted my tail to get to where I am… I’m going to get there, I just need help.”

Upon graduating, Daryl plans to make it into the NFL and if not, this man with a backup plan will become a high school football coach and put his efforts right back into his community! So, TenderBridge community...please help Daryl be a first-generation college student!



The TenderBridge
The TenderBridge's essential mission is closing the gap between kids who need help and the numerous available programs that provide that help but may not be effectively reaching some of Baltimore City's most at-risk children. Our basic goal is to provide seriously life-challenged kids a chance to feel better about themselves.

TTB operates continuously, year around, recruiting kids from the streets, signing them up for sports programs, and then delivering them to and from those activities. TTB helps kids participate in football, baseball, ice hockey, lacrosse, and sailing.