Basketball Clinics
Free clinics teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and discipline — on and off the court — led by a four-time champion who loves giving back.
Our Mission
Too many kids grow up in single-parent homes — without the guidance, structure, and belief every child deserves. JT Impact Foundation fills that gap: pairing the discipline of basketball with the power of education, and surrounding kids with mentors who show up. Because talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be, too.
Faith
Jalen's core strength is his relationship with God — the foundation under everything he has built, and the heart of this one.
Family
Programs for the whole family — kids in single-parent homes, and real support for the single mothers raising them.
Fundamentals
Reading and math first. The fundamentals are the key to everything — in the classroom and on the court.
About — The Underdog Who Made It
JT Impact Foundation was founded by Jalen Thomas, a 6'11" professional basketball player who knows exactly what our kids are up against — because he lived it.
Counted out — and kept going
Jalen knows what it's like to be counted out. Raised by a single mother alongside his twin sister, he was the tallest kid in his grade — with people expecting greatness just because he was tall — and the underdog at every level of basketball.
Faith — and a village — carried him
He answered with four championships and a B.S. in Economics from Butler University — breaking through generations in his family. He did it with God's help — and a small village of supporters, male mentors, and his family standing with him.
“Stay uncomfortable to get comfortable. It's not how you start, it's how you finish.”
— The words Jalen's mom, Monike, gave him growing up. Her voice was the first one in his corner — now the foundation carries it to every kid it serves.
Now he's in their corner
Jalen loves helping kids and believes everyone deserves an opportunity. Through JT Impact Foundation, he's making sure the next kid gets the same shot he got — the same village of support, built on purpose.
2016
University of Detroit Jesuit
Michigan State Championship
2022
Georgia State
NCAA Sun Belt Championship
2024
Catholic League
Hall of Fame Inductee
2025
Stockton Kings
NBA G League Champions
2026
Landstede Hammers
Dutch Champions · Finals MVP
Our Programs
Six concrete programs, all built for kids growing up in single-parent homes — boys and girls — and the families raising them.
Reading & Math Tutoring
One-on-one and small-group tutoring that builds grades and confidence. The fundamentals of reading and math are the key to everything.
Mentoring
Consistent, caring mentors for kids growing up in single-parent homes — adults who show up, and keep showing up.
Shoes & Clothing Giveaways
New shoes and clothes for kids who are hard to fit — including tall teens — with extended sizes for boys and girls, so no kid goes without shoes that fit.
Educational Scholarships
Helping students take the next step toward college or trade school — because the finish matters more than the start.
Support for Single Mothers
Resources and relief for the moms holding it all together — partners in this work, not an afterthought.
Get Involved
Every kid deserves someone in their corner. Here's how you stand in it with them.
Donate
Your gift funds clinics, tutoring, scholarships, and giveaways — for every kid. JT Impact Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Reach Out to GiveVolunteer
Coach at a clinic, tutor reading or math for an hour a week, mentor a kid who needs a second person in their corner — or lend a hand at foundation events.
Volunteer With UsPartner
Schools, gyms, churches, and community groups: host a clinic, open a tutoring room, or run a shoe drive with us — and stand next to a messenger these kids believe.
Partner With UsFor Grantmakers
The facts funders ask for first — plus ready-to-use language for applications and letters of inquiry.
Legal name
JT Impact Foundation
Tax status
501(c)(3) public charityListed in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search — eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions (deductibility code PC)
EIN
42-4206130
Based in · Serving
Warren, MichiganPrograms serve youth across the Detroit metropolitan area
Founder
Jalen Thomas6'11" professional basketball player · 4× champion · B.S. in Economics, Butler University
Population served
Youth in single-parent homesBoys and girls — plus support for single mothers. Programs are open to all youth regardless of faith.
Mission statement
Too many kids grow up in single-parent homes without the guidance, structure, and belief every child deserves. JT Impact Foundation fills that gap: pairing the discipline of basketball with the power of education, and surrounding kids with mentors who show up. Because talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be, too.
Program summary — for applications
JT Impact Foundation delivers wraparound support to Detroit-area youth growing up in single-parent households — a population mainstream providers serve but do not name. Through free basketball clinics (engagement), reading and math tutoring (academic growth), one-on-one mentoring (social-emotional development), and basic-needs giveaways including extended-size footwear, the foundation addresses the whole child and supports single mothers as partners in that work. Programs are open to all youth regardless of faith. The foundation commits to publishing annual outcome data — tutoring gains, retention, and high school graduation rates — from its first year of operation.
Organization facts — one line
JT Impact Foundation · EIN 42-4206130 · 501(c)(3) public charity · Warren, Michigan · jtimpactfoundation.org · info@jtimpactfoundation.org
Contact
Questions about a program, a partnership, a grant, or a gift — start here.
JT Impact Foundation
Detroit metropolitan area
Warren, Michigan
Phone: (833) 766-8696
833-7MOTOWN — toll-free
Website: jtimpactfoundation.org
Email: info@jtimpactfoundation.org
EIN: 42-4206130
JT Impact Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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