Since 1997, Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) recognized nonprofit, has helped single parents and children thrive academically, socially and economically. With community and corporate support, Warrick Dunn Charities awards down-payment assistance, food and other donations to single parent families and children across the nation to combat poverty, hunger and ensure families have comfortable surroundings and basic necessities to improve their quality of life. Warrick Dunn, former all-pro running back and philanthropist, began “Homes for the Holidays” during his rookie season in the NFL to honor his late mother. Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer was killed while working an off-duty assignment. Betty's Hope pilot program operated in Baton Rouge, LA for three years to empower youth to manage grief and to activate healing. The program reached over 3,000 people by providing free grief education, tools and resources to children ages 5-18, caregivers and community members. Through Warrick Dunn Charities programming, Dunn memorializes his mother while giving hope and healing to communities.