NFL star Jason Taylor tackles young people's problems

NFL star Jason Taylor tackles young people's problems

Miami Dolphins outside linebacker and defensive end, Jason Taylor continues to have a successful football career in the NFL spanning over a decade. He's played in the Pro Bowl, and was the 2007 NFL Man of the Year. In 2008 Taylor took his talents from the field to the dance floor to participate in season 6 of ABC's _Dancing With the Stars_ franchise. He not only took on the unfamiliar task of dancing, but excelled at it, becoming an instant fan favorite and nearly took home the champion's Mirror Ball trophy. Aside from achievements on the field, and dancing abilities, there is another layer of the Miami Dolphin that many people don't know about, that's Jason Taylor, the philanthropist. In 2004 Taylor and his wife, Katina, started the "Jason Taylor Foundation":http://www.jasontaylorfoundation.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid;=1 with the simple concept of giving back to young people. The Foundation's mission is to develop and support programs that aid in the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida's youth in need. The program's focus is on health care, education and quality of life. Improving the reading levels of young people is something that the foundation takes seriously. In 2009, the organization developed the Jason Taylor Reading Room, a multi-faceted, after-school program, which is free and open to the public and designed to address the increasing illiteracy rates among Miami's inner-city youth. The facility sits behind the Miami Dolphins stadium, and provides the location for 50 to 70 kids to gather on a daily basis. They convene for two hours to work with certified teachers and a personal case manager assigned to getting the students up to appropriate reading levels. This year on Labor Day the Jason Taylor Foundation will hold its 7th annual Cool Gear for the School Year event. The event coincides with the concept that when students look good they feel good, and in turn will be confident and empowered to be better students. Taylor understands that when students have to endure not having presentable school clothes, they are unable to focus in the classroom. The executive director of the Jason Taylor Foundation, Seth Levit says that many fans and community members see Taylor as successful NFL star and former contestant from ABC's _Dancing With the Stars_, but are unaware that he grew up with humble beginnings.