The Athletes for Vets Foundation, founded by Moorestown native Dr. Dereck Faulkner in 2011, and UrbanPromise Camden hosted the first annual Step Up for Our Youth back-to-school community event at UrbanPromise Camden on Sept. 18.
The initiative was led by Faulkner, a former NFL wide receiver and Philadelphia Eagle who was ranked the number one high school wide receiver in South Jersey during his high school playing career. The inaugural event correlated with Faulkner’s history. By doing something for others, he not only continues to follow in his family’s footsteps by dedicating his time and service to those in need, but he’s learned from those around him the meaning of what it is to be selfless.
“Step Up for Our Youth is about more than giving a child a new pair of sneakers or a backpack. It is about showing young people that their community believes in them and is invested in their future,” Faulkner said. “I’m proud of the fact that this is leaving a legacy not only for myself, but for my family. They sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and served their country. It’s continuing to show honor and appreciation for my grandfather who served two tours in Vietnam, my mother who served over 20 years and my father who served as well (dad Len and mother LaCarole were both U.S. Army Officers). So many people have impacted me through the military. It’s been a part of my fabric and DNA where it’s helped me become successful whether in the NFL or in the classroom.”
With support from community and corporate partners, participating children had access to new sneakers and backpacks, donated school supplies, food, music and entertainment, raffles, giveaways and other activities. Bank of America supported the initiative by donating school supplies, while eBay partnered with Athletes for Vets to help make the community event possible. Designed to help local children begin the school year with confidence and the resources they need, the event served youth ages 5 to 14 and brought together athletes, community leaders, nonprofit partners, businesses, students and families for an afternoon centered on giving and opportunity.
For Faulkner, the event represented a return to the community that helped shape his own journey from South Jersey high school football to collegiate athletics and ultimately the NFL. Playing for the Eagles is something that Faulkner continues to hold as a badge of honor. The biggest highlight during that period for him was how well he played and seeing all his efforts pay off.
“Growing up in South Jersey, sports opened doors for me that eventually took me from high school football to Hampton University and the Philadelphia Eagles,” Faulkner said. “Coming back and using that journey to create opportunities for young people in South Jersey is personal to me. UrbanPromise has spent years investing in these young people, and we are proud to bring our athletes, partners, and resources alongside their work.”
The Athletes for Vets Foundation is a community-focused nonprofit that brings athletes, businesses, veterans and community leaders together to create meaningful impact. Through youth development programs, community activities, educational initiatives, charitable giving and mentorship, the foundation uses the influence of sports to open doors and strengthen the communities it serves. The partnership with UrbanPromise Camden placed the event directly within a community organization dedicated to equipping Camden children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth and leadership. For Athletes for Vets, Step Up for Our Youth was part of the foundation’s broader commitment to leveraging athletes’ visibility and influence to drive meaningful community impact.
Through youth development, mentorship, education and community-based initiatives, Faulkner and the foundation seek to ensure that the opportunities created by sports open doors for the next generation. In addition to running Athletes for Vets, Faulkner also works in consulting and last year, he earned his Ph.D. in designing sustainable systems at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, with a concentration in executive leadership and organization development. Given that his consulting work focuses more on the sports side and his Ph.D. dissertation focused on sports leadership and his transition out of the NFL, he’s been able to connect his professional and educational backgrounds directly to the work he’s doing with the foundation.
“Sports teach you the epitome of hard work, and it makes you a great teammate,” Faulkner said. “It also teaches you a lot about yourself, and it shows resilience. So many times, things don’t go the right way, so how do you respond to that? So many times, with playing sports, I had things go the opposite direction of where I wanted them to go, so I had to reset and buckle my chin-strap and make it happen.”
Moorestown native Dr. Dereck Faulkner, founder of the Athletes for Vets Foundation, partnered with UrbanPromise Camden to host the first annual Step Up for Our Youth back-to-school community event on Sept. 18.
With support from community and corporate partners, participating children had access to new sneakers and backpacks, donated school supplies, food, music and entertainment, raffles, giveaways and other activities.
