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NBA behind him, Alonzo Mourning changing lives of youngsters as he grows organization that specializes in hope and resources
After a 15-season career in the National Basketball Association, newly retired Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning now puts his energies into helping children in underserved communities.
Twelve years ago he founded Alonzo Mourning Charities, an umbrella organization that supports educational and development programs for youth in impoverished neighborhoods.
Today, the organization operates a youth center in the black community of Overtown and runs a mentoring and empowerment program for girls known as Honey Shine.
"We try to provide the resources that will enable these kids to become productive and better citizens," he said.
But Mr. Mourning is working toward more.
Plans are to build a 40,000-square-foot youth center in Miami Gardens equipped with computer labs, classrooms and a library for about 500 children to enjoy. The charity is starting a capital campaign for construction.
Mr. Mourning is also dabbling in real estate with plans to build affordable housing with a commercial component and a child-care center in Overtown.
The 39-year-old Virginia native became an author in 2008 with his book "Resilience," which he said he wrote to share his experiences — including the kidney transplant he underwent in 2003 — and maybe help change someone's life.
Mr. Mourning discussed the work, accomplishments and expansion plans for his charity with Miami Today staff writer Yudislaidy Fernandez at the Overtown Youth Center.
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