Thomas shares his life lessons

Imagine never knowing anything but poverty. Glum sights all around you, no new experiences, no interest in technology or other cultures.

That was Tyrus Thomas’s world before he found competitive basketball, LSU, the NBA and millions of dollars as a player with the Chicago Bulls.

When he arrived in Chicago, Thomas realized he could provide crucial learning experiences for inner-city children. The fine arts of tying on a necktie or proper banquet etiquette were not easily picked up where he grew up, but he had to learn them as his prosperous future took shape. “I want the children to be exposed to different types of people. I wasn’t exposed to professors and business types,” Thomas says.

So he launched CATCH—Caring and Actively Teaching Children Hope—and signed up 24 local youths for a summer of intensive training. CATCH targets at-risk students entering 9th grade, giving them new skills and experiences. Preference is given to the children of parents with the least amount of education. The CATCH motto: “Investing in my future today for a better life tomorrow.”

The program aims to help students make a more successful transition from middle to high school—a time when many stray from education.

In the first session students went canoeing, learned poetry, spoke with college professors, and visited historic sites in Atlanta. “I want to take these children out of their element. I want to give them the opportunity I didn’t have,” Thomas says.

Students who finish the summer program enter the next phase, which follows their progress through high school, provides them with tutoring and helps them obtain uniforms and school supplies. CATCH will even help them find ways to pay for college.

“This is a fantastic program,” says camp participant Keith Johnson, who adds that now he reads for fun—something he only did before because it was required.

Thomas’s work recently earned him a nomination for a national public service award given to professional athletes in any sport, and he continues to look for community support for the program. He currently funds the entire program himself.

“I want to be remembered as a good basketball player, a philanthropist and a good person,” Thomas says.

Learn more and make donations at tyrusthomasinc.org.