Meet Our FOUNDER
Please meet the people that make our Foundation Family possible.
Our team are the glue that provides the support and care each family needs.
Our team are the glue that provides the support and care each family needs.
Derrick James Family Foundation was founded in 2023 to give back to the South Dallas/Oak Cliff community that gave so much to him from childhood.
He has a special place in his heart for local community organizations where he attended from the age of four. The community haven for young people afforded Derrick an opportunity to develop his boxing skills.
As a result of his training at the Boys & Girls Club, Derrick was able to showcase his skills throughout the state of Texas, the entire nation and eventually the world!
Dr. Jay Barnett & Derrick James
We were honored to welcome back Dr. Jay Barnett for the 3rd year in a row to pour into the young men at John Lewis Social Justice Academy. His powerful message on self-control, emotional awareness, and embracing new beginnings truly inspired everyone in the room.
Big thanks to Principal Monique Paige and her amazing team for continuing to create space for growth, hope, and mental wellness.
Special thanks to:
LaDainian Tomlinson – autographed football
Metta Artest – autographed basketball
Brock Hoffman – signed cleats from the NFL My Cause My Cleats campaign
Texas Rangers – autographed baseballs from Wyatt Langford & Jake Burger
…and so many more incredible supporters who made this possible!
Your contributions are helping us create lasting impact. Together, we’re making a difference
The Derrick James Family Foundation is proud to introduce the recipients of the 2025 Zelma James Educational Scholarships. These exceptional students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. We are honored to support their journey toward higher education and future success.
We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. The DJFF Zelma James Educational Scholarship supports students who are not only scholars, but also changemakers in the making.
We congratulate the Class of 2025 recipients and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will have in their chosen fields and beyond.
donation for children’s and family
scholarships for students
children back to the school for best education
youth helped by community partners to grow mental health
The Derrick James Family Foundation was founded in 2023 to give back to the South Dallas/Oak Cliff community that gave so much to him from childhood.
He has a special place in his heart for local community organizations where he attended from the age of four. The community haven for young people afforded Derrick an opportunity to develop his boxing skills.
As a result of his training at the Boys & Girls Club, Derrick was able to showcase his skills throughout the state of Texas, the entire nation and
eventually the world!
> HBCU Scholarship Program: DJFF awarded six local high school seniors $5,000 annual scholarships for four years, totaling $120,000, to support their higher education journeys. > Back-to-School Drive: The foundation provided over 500 clear backpacks to Dallas-area students and fulfilled teachers' Amazon wish lists to equip classrooms with essential supplies.
> Mental Health Matters Series: DJFF hosts events like the one at O.W. Holmes Middle School, where experts such as Dr. Jay Barnett speak to 7th and 8th-grade boys about emotional resilience and mental well-being. > Pediatric Mental Health Endowment: In partnership with Children's Health, DJFF established a $50,000 endowment to enhance mental health services for children in underserved communities like Oak Cliff.
> Adopt-a-Family Program: Collaborating with Children's Health, DJFF supports inpatient families during the holiday season by providing gifts and essential items. > Christmas Food Giveaway: In partnership with the Dallas Police Department, DJFF distributes turkeys and food supplies to local families during annual holiday events.
> Topgolf Fundraising Event: DJFF organized an inaugural Topgolf event to raise funds for its initiatives, engaging community members and supporters in a day of fun and philanthropy.
The Derrick James Family Foundation was honored to be in attendance supporting Dallas United for Good and the Dallas Police Department Community Services Division in their impactful work serving families and youth throughout our community.
The Derrick James Family Foundation is honored to be able to make a difference in the Adopt-a-family program at Children’s Health again this year. The dedicated social workers identified a current inpatient family from Oak Cliff who was in need of support this holiday season. It was our privilege to work alongside them for the second year and provide assistance.
We were honored to partner with the Dallas Police Department to provide turkeys for local families during their 5th Annual Christmas Food Giveaway Drive-Through Celebration at Paul Quinn College. It was a heartfelt day of service, bringing together our community, fellow nonprofits and supporters to make a meaningful impact.
