Jay Urich he always had big plans beyond football. He didn’t always know exactly what it would be like, but he always had a generous heart and a passion for making an impact on other people’s lives.
Just over a year ago, Urich started a non-profit foundation, “Original Design”, to use health, sports and faith as teaching tools for young people. He was able to focus on the Original Design mission – “We exist to provide resources, opportunities and supportive relationships for underprivileged children through a one-year program that focuses on health, sports and faith”. – earlier than he thought, as his football career came to an end this season due to a recurring shoulder injury.
Just over a year after the start of your nonprofit organization, action is taking place.
The Original Design will have 25 children aged 10-12 as part of a yearlong journey with 25 mentors. Each child is accompanied by a mentor to participate in three two-day camps – one in May, another in July and another in December.
Although the number of children may seem small, the mission of Original Design is to go deep, not too much. They want a lasting influence on a smaller number of children, rather than on the superficial level with many.
“There will be plenty of time for these mentors and campers to develop relationships and learn about each other,” Urich told TheBigSpur.com. “Having that smaller number is very important will allow the mentor and the camper to create relationships, and also have an environment that feels inclusive. It is very particular and unique, and I think that creating this culture is very important for a child’s development. “
The foundation of the non-profit organization is “health, faith and sports”, but the program’s curriculum is deep. These are topics such as nutrition, hygiene, etiquette, literacy and generosity, which will be put into practice during the camps. Donate to Original Design | Other ways to get involved
There are experts who will talk about topics for pre-teens who may not be exposed to it. There will be experiences in the city, which can range from a trip to the museum to an evening at The Grand on Main Street.
“We want to help the community, to help these children who may be struggling, to give them the ability to dream,” said Urich. “Along with these three principles, the next big thing for me is the word ‘passion’. I think the Original Design will be a success if, at the end of the year, when the children are done with the camps, they can say that they have found something they are passionate about and that they have been given the resources to be able to do what they are passionate about. “
Born in Greenville, Urich was three potential stars as a quarterback in the 247Sports Composite ranking, with offers from names like Duke, North Carolina and Tennessee. He ended up choosing to stay in the state and play for Gamecocks, where he saw action on both the quarterback and the wide receiver during his career before shoulder problems that dated from high school brought his premature end.
But he had the ability to work for his organization when he finished his Public Health degree in December.
“It hits me because there were so many people in my life – teachers, coaches, parents – that invaded me that I would never know what I was passionate about if it weren’t for them,” said Urich. “This is an incredible opportunity to get together, to pray for these campers and mentors, to give these children this opportunity so that it can help them prepare for their lives. This is not just a one-year camp, but an opportunity to see what they are passionate about. We have the resources because of our contacts who want to help. It will be very special. “
Carey Rich, who is Superintendent of Recreation in the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City of Columbia, is very involved in all types of service opportunities. He works daily with young people in need and helped guide Urich on this journey.
“It is very useful for so many people to come beside me and roll behind me. It has been so encouraging, ”said Urich, also mentioning the University and many community members. “What I learned is that whenever we create things, there is a vulnerability linked to them; you really expose yourself. I was encouraged by the Lord by providing, be it financially, advice or anything else we need in Original Design. “
Whether for physical, spiritual or mental needs, the goal is to identify 25 children to participate in the one-year project. There may not be opportunities or resources for each child in their daily lives, and Original Design wants to join these children with the direct influence of mentors, who undergo thorough assessments and background checks.
With the initial camp starting on May 22, children and mentors are chosen for this year. While Urich and his team of board members – including ex-Gamecocks Marcus Lattimore and Connor Shaw – I have already raised a lot of funds through donors, there is still a need for more from a financial point of view.
However, there are other ways to get involved, as Urich asks for prayerful guidance.
“We have been very blessed with many different donors who have given us a lot of support, but with the plans we have, we still need donations and every dollar helps, whether small or large,” said Urich. “We need prayer about the Original Project, prayer about these campers and their situations, and prayer about mentors. We also want people to spread the word. Some people may not be aware of how they can give back, and I think it’s important to share that word. “
Urich has always had big plans beyond football. He didn’t always know what it would be like, but his vision is now clear.
Donate to Original Design | Other ways to get involved
There are still opportunities for individual sponsorship, as well as corporate-level sponsorship. … Photo on the front page by Katie Wilson