Very proud to be a part of such an positive and influential organization. Although this is my first year actually being an active part of the organization, the "Memphis Bears" name has always been a big deal in my community. It is with pleasure to be apart of something that gives back to the community I grew up in and hold dear. My daughter is going into her 2nd year of being a part of the organization as a cheerleader and she is super excited and loves everybody from her fellow cheer members all the way to the coaches/staff. The Memphis Bears have allowed me offered my skills and time to also give back to ever so talented youth and for that I am grateful.NCG
Memphis Bears organization introduced my son to sports at a early age and he has grown to be a better athletic as a result. They are proven to be one of the best youth sports organizations in the world. We are proud to say we were part of Memphis Bears Inc.
Review from Guidestar
Both of my sons played football with the MBI. The team is very well organized and the parent participation is awesome. The staff/volunteers seemed to genuinely care about the kids on and off the field. This organization is more like a family rather than just a team. Kudos to the founder Craig Littles and the entire MBI staff! Keep up the good work in the community!
A. Marshae'
Review from Guidestar
Last years was my sons first year with the Memphis Bears and I have to say I was very impress with the Coaching staff and Board of Directors. This is a very well put organization and the Staff really do care about the youth... you could say that this organization is like family. They make you feel part of something and makes you want to reach out to the youth. Memphis need more organization like this one. Our youth need more of us to show them that they have a safe environment where they can have fun and also learn to become what ever they set their minds to be. I'm a proud parent of the Memphis Bears..."We the Memphis Bears"
Review from Guidestar
Hello,my name is Arieale.My son has been apart of the organization for 2years.Memphis Bears Inc is not just a sports organization,it's more like a special family.We all come together for a great cause,and that's to encourage our youth!I so proud to be apart of it!Go Bears!
Review from Guidestar
My name is Mrs. Jackson my grandson has been with the Bears since 2012 .My first year I was very impressed with the way the coach handle the kids they made it fun for the kids and made sure that they was safe . Then the next season I was ready to come back before grandson was and I started telling people about this great program .From then on until now I will be proud to say am a Memphis bear. This program is very good for the children and their parents you are encouraged to come to everything and also to be involved in everything .Am looking forward to many more years with the organization .
Review from Guidestar
My son played football for the Memphis Bears for 4 years. While there he was groomed by his coaches as one of the leaders of the team. After he aged out of the program, he went back on several occasions and worked as a volunteer junior coach. I can truly say that Memphis Bears is not just a youth sports organization; it is so much more and for most, it is a way of life. If you like to volunteer and give back to the community, this is a great place for you. For the child that has idle time, Memphis Bears gives them an opportunity to keep busy with all of the programs they offer. For the fatherless or motherless child, the coaches, staff and coordinators are there for them on and off of the field. For the child that has never been outside of Memphis, the Executive Director’s “Big Picture” vision for the organization has afforded them a travel opportunity to experience life on the road to another city in and outside of TN, where they compete in tournaments and visit local attractions in that city.
A few other things that impressed me about the Memphis Bears, is that they cater to the whole child and not just the sports side of the child. They bring in professionals to conduct Gang Awareness and Teenage Abstinence classes for all of the kids. Not only that, did I mention that they cater to the parents as well? They implemented “Parent Night Out” for parents & volunteers (adults only), so that the parents can relax, mingle and get to know other parents and volunteers on a personal base. Finally, what was most impressive to me outside of everything else was when they started having “Daddy Meetings” with all of the fathers to get them more involved with the program during practice and on game day.
So you see, Memphis Bears Inc. is not just a Youth Sports Organization, it’s a Family Organization where kids play and parents participate.
See picture, my child #96 - 2013 SYS Super Bowl Champs!
Review from Guidestar
Having worked with other nonprofit organizations, I can truly say Memphis Bears Inc. (MBI) is a pillar within the community and a much needed asset to the children that it serves. The opportunities that it provides for inner city youths who are from noted high crime and poverty stricken neighborhoods allow them to be removed from the daily struggle of survival and gives them positive alternatives, by focusing on education, athletics, teamwork, leadership, etc.. The various activities, along with the mentorship that is displayed by all within the organization, reinforces the mission of the organization, which ultimately promotes community pride, good citizenship, and a positive attitude geared towards success. Additionally, I have been privy to the first-hand selflessness of the organization’s leader and how without regard for personal elevation, he has devoted personal resources to ensure the youths of the organization are served. There are not enough good things that I could say about MBI without making this review a dissertation, but if you do not believe me, take a look for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Review from Guidestar
Memphis Bears Inc is a bright spot in Memphis Tn that's named number 3 in the dangerous cities in the country. MBI has taken inner city kids and given them an alternative to crime and given them a better out look on life and the pursuit of happiness. Craig Littles as received several awards and accolades for his continuing hard work with the kids in Memphis, Tn and surrounding areas.
Review from Guidestar
Memphis Bears Inc. is an excellent organization in the community. I was introduced to Memphis Bears through a camp my son attended one summer. He absolutely loved it and learned a lot. Not only does this organization promote good sportsmanship through the various sports offered but it is promoting young boys and girls to become productive citizens in their community. This organization is an organization which lead by example. Every member of the board and staff are leaders and promote leadership throughout the organization which will bleed to the community to promote future leaders.
MBI is an outstanding organization and much needed in the city of Memphis. My daughter was a cheerleader for the football team, she enjoyed it as well as did her parents. Keep up the good work MBI.
Review from Guidestar
This is a much needed and appreciated organization. They portray strong, positive influences for the youth. They keep our children ever mindful of being great citizens and instilling self-pride. The family unit is often lacking a male presence, this organization sets examples of strong, purposeful manhood.
Michelle Kennedy
Review from Guidestar
Memphis Bears Inc is an excellent organization!! I started off being a softball parent, to becoming a basketball team mom, and now I'm on the board. I have been with the organization for a some years now and never would have imagined me doing some of the things I've had the opportunity to do since being with the Bears. When it comes to my daughter, Memphis Bears goal has been meet. She's played softball, basketball, and now she's a teen volunteer. My daughter has had the opportunity to speak at several of MBI's engagements, which helped her with her educational experience. She participated in two Engineering Essay Competitions for her school winning 2nd place in 2011 and 1st place in 2012. So...If you ever want to do something for a good cause, develop new skills, or just meet people and make new friends, Memphis Bears Inc is the place for you.
Review from Guidestar
This organization ROCKS!!! My son joined the MB nearly 5 years ago and I must admit-- it was LIFE-CHANGING! He was exposed to many different experiences outside of sports during his time with MB. Those experiences certainly helped foster him into the well-rounded young man he is today. The commitment displayed by the volunteers, coaches, parents and children is inspiring. My son's life is forever changed because of the time he spent within this OUTSTANDING organization. It is my prayer that this organization continues to grow and prosper for many, many years to come.
Memphis Bears Inc. (MBI) is extraordinary. I have been involved with the organization in many capacities since 1997. I love MBI, because it’s not just about organized sports, but it offers volunteer opportunities for adults and teens, academic assistance, life skills, and mentorship. A former parent said it best when she referred to the organization as “a well -oiled machine.” MBI runs very smoothly, with professionally trained staff and board members in place who work well together. With MBI, everyone has a specific job and knows what’s expected of them; from the participants and parents to the staff and volunteers everybody knows what to do, when to do it and it gets done.
Review from Guidestar
From the age of 4 all my son wanted to do was play football..me being a single parent didn't know the first thing about little league sports..I was introduced to MBI by a family member. My son was 9yrs old when he started playing football for MBI and has been with the organization ever since. These guys are truly unsung heros in their own right; they are not just talking the talk but walking the walk and making a diffrence in the lives of these young men and women..I have seen my child grow from a shy somewhat awkward boy into a social outspoken young man,with the help of Memphis Bears Inc,..Thanks so much for all you guys do.
Through sports and educational programs, the Memphis Bears provides life-changing experiences for young people. They are exposed to different opportunities such as traveling out of state, serving in the community and participating in educational programs. It has been very rewarding to serve the youth of MBI. Memphis Bears is a 5 star organization with 5 five star participants and 5 star parents. The parents are supportive of their childred as well as other children. The combination is WIN-WIN!
If you are looking for an organization for your son or daughter no need to look any further. Memphis Bears is a great organzation that I have been apart of for the last 5 years. I am very pleased to say the coaches and the staff are very involved with the success of the children and they are very supportive when it comes to the needs of the children. I must say this keeps my son away from negativity. There is no other organization that I would want to be apart of even after my son finshes here we will always be apart of the Memphis Bears and will continue to support them. Please feel free to check us out on Facebook Memphis Bears Rocks best SYS Team in Memphis, TN
Review from Guidestar
Memphis Bears Inc is an organization that I consider one of excellence. This youth organization uses sports to teach our children discipline, leadership skills and volunteerism. Participation in football help to build my son chararcter and confidence. The change was noticed by both me and his teachers; in his academics and attitude. I highly recommend parents who are looking for a professional, organize and diverse program to give MBI a try.
Review from Guidestar