A Summer Day Teamed with Purpose
On June 27, 2025, Shooting for Peace brought some serious energy to Middle Fitness & Wellness Center on Reedbird Avenue in Brooklyn, MD (not NYC Brooklyn—they’re Baltimore neighbors!). Over 100 local kids joined NBA legend Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams, community figures like Philip Blackwell, and a Chase bank rep, Joel Gamble, for real-world money lessons.
Highlights from the Court
The day had a cool mix of fun and learning:
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Jerome JYD Williams’s Clinic: JYD broke down drills and shared tips. From dribbling circles to footwork, he helped the kids sharpen their moves with community leaders stepping in too.
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DJ & Mascot Vibes: A lively DJ hype kept the energy high while a mascot passed out smiles—and a few thumbs-up.
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Rec Center Circuit: Teens bounced between skill stations—free-throw, defense footwork, and hustle drills—keeping the crowd engaged and smiling.
Money Talks with Chase
Inside or just off the court, Chase bank representatives gave an easy-to-understand talk about savings, budgeting, and handling money—even small change counts. They made it relatable, and kids showed real interest.
Why This Matters
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Community Partnership: Combining multiple rec centers in the area created a stronger local network.
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Holistic Growth: Merging athletics and financial literacy sets kids up for success on the court and in life.
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Big Turnout: More than 100 kids attended—clear sign the message matters.
How You Can Stay Involved
Want these kinds of experiences in your area? Or would your youth program benefit from free financial lessons and hoops coaching? Download the Shooting for Peace app and get started today:
Access the app and register here
You get early access to free financial literacy courses and even a digital copy of R.O.L.E Player by JYD himself. Jam-packed with future STEM and business tools—you don’t want to miss it.
Want More Money-Smart Tips?
If you’re digging today’s event and want more insight into earning while you travel, check this short guide out:
How to Make Money While Traveling
Let’s Keep It Going
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Hit up JYD’s Instagram for clips and behind-the-scenes moments: @junkyarddogjw
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Catch the Shooting for Peace journey: @legendshootingforpeace