On September 23, 2016, Up2Us Sports launched a CrowdRise campaign with the goal of raising $100,000 in 100 days to support our Operation Coach program. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 300 donors and the continued support of ESPN, we have raised $146,304 to support returning veterans. ESPN’s support of Operation Coach has been vital to the success of the program over the past three years.

100% of the funds raised through the campaign will go towards Operation Coach. Since it's inception, the program has hired nearly 50 military veterans, and we hope to hire twice that in 2017. We provide returning veterans with a meaningful experience to help them in their transition to civilian life and support their path toward a future career, while offering a chance to serve as everyday heroes to at-risk youth across the country.

Read some of the inspiring stories of these coaches below.

• Coach Jacinto, enFamilia - Miami, FL
• Coach Marcedes, SquashSmarts - Philadelphia, PA
• Coach Sean, Philadelphia Police Athletic League/Philadelphia 76ers - Philadelphia, PA
• Coach Tyree, California Educational Centers - Los Angeles, CA
• Coach Alfonso, Woodcraft Rangers - Los Angeles, CA
• Coach Rafael, Brotherhood Crusade - Los Angeles, CA
• Coach Scott, Sheriff’s Youth Foundation - Los Angeles, CA

While this campaign may be over, the program continues to seek funding. If you would like to give directly to this program - or any other - click here or email jmcmillan@up2ussports.org.

Learn more at www.OperationCoach.org.