Hoops & Hope: A Vision for Empowering Youth

Michael Thompson and family during the Neuro Hero event

In the world of professional basketball, skilled and seasoned players are not hard to come by. But those who are willing to lead beyond the buzzer, who are dedicated to helping others realize their full potential, are often more difficult to find.

Michael “Juice” Thompson has channeled his athletic triumphs and personal trials into a mission to transform lives.  He was a top-ranking record holder at Northwestern University and international professional for over 12 years. But his most cherished role is one lived outside of the spotlight – loyal husband to his wife, Shantel, and loving father to their two children, Yannick and Jovan.

Growing up in Chicago, Michael’s homelife was enriched by devoted parents and a wide network of support, instilling in him the belief that family and community are at the heart of all things. So when his son Jovan was diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing disorder in 2018, Michael’s world was turned upside down.

“In efforts to drive positive personal and societal change, the Foundation’s offering is underpinned by four key pillars: Neurodiversity, Education, Community, and Basketball.”

"Jovan's diagnosis was a big adjustment for all of us,” reflects Thompson, “To get him the resources he needed, my wife and kids had to stay in the United States while I played overseas, and I distinctly recall the sense of emptiness and helplessness I felt when I couldn’t be there for them.”

Determined to see his loved ones thrive, even from the other side of the world, Michael searched tirelessly for programs and resources that could be of help in his absence – to no avail. “I spent many sleepless nights researching ways to support my family while uncertain about Jovan's current and future challenges,” Thompson recalls, “and the mental and emotional toll it took was significant.”

Far from home and searching for answers, Michael turned to the Neurodiverse community for guidance, only to find that countless others were facing the same difficulties. “We met so many families in need of education, funding, and resources to support their Neurodivergent children,” Thompson explains, “but without quality insurance or access to sufficient funds, most are put on waitlists that can be 18+ months long, and children suffer significant setbacks during that wait.”

For years their hunt continued, but Michael refused to admit defeat. And in the face of adversity, saw instead, an opportunity: “We realized that there was a pressing need to build Neurodiversity awareness and bridge the gap so these individuals and their families could be seen and heard. This is what pushed us to start the Juice Hoops Foundation. To provide opportunities and resources to those in need.”

A Mission Rooted in Opportunity and Inclusion

The mission of the Juice Hoops Foundation is as unique as those it serves:
to create inclusive and uplifting programs, services, and experiences for underserved and Neurodiverse youth and their families – leveraging basketball as the platform for instilling confidence, teaching life lessons, developing skills, and fostering relationships that lead to greater opportunity for all.

“We’ve witnessed many children fall behind socially, emotionally, and academically, and it's heartbreaking. We are here to advocate and be a voice for the underserved.”

In efforts to drive positive personal and societal change, the Foundation’s offering is underpinned by four key pillars: Neurodiversity, Education, Community, and Basketball.

Neurodiversity: Neuro Heroes

“The Neurodiverse Community doesn’t want to be treated differently,” explains Thompson, “they want to be included and accepted for who they are.” With this as its touchstone, the Neuro Heroes program aims to celebrate and support Neurodivergent individuals, while offering resources and aid for their families and caregivers.

Through a variety of tailored services (sports camps, social skills training, and sensory-friendly events, to name a few) the Foundation fosters a community that values Neurodiversity and highlights the strengths and talents of every individual.

Education: Neuro Tips

“For years, my wife and I navigated the landscape of Neurodivergence without fully knowing what we were doing,” recalls Thompson “we want others to have an easier journey than we had.”  Thus, the goal of Neuro Tips – an online resource hub for caregivers, teachers, and coaches of Neurodivergent youth and young adults – is to provide knowledge and insight for children and adults alike.

The site (though still in development) will include information from established Neurodiversity organizations, as well as custom Juice Hoops Foundation created content. Using the skills of athletic achievement as its lens, the site will offer resources for utilizing a disciplined sports mindset, increasing overall health and wellness, and implementing practical application tips to help young people thrive.

Community: Neuro Tools

“Everyone needs family and community to succeed, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” explains Thompson, “We want to create a similar safe space for those we serve.” Aiming to do just that, the Neuro Tools community outreach program is designed to spread awareness and make safe and effective tools easily accessible.

Partnering with organizations like Special Supplies and schools like the Merlin Day Academy, the Foundation provides special education and individualized instruction in therapeutic environments, ensuring that children with Neurodiverse learning requirements receive the tailored support they need.

Basketball: Juice Hoops Academy

“We believe that basketball is a platform for teaching perseverance and life skills,” Thompson says, “and it can be a powerful tool to help youth overcome challenges and setbacks.”

Founded on this belief, the Juice Hoops Academy aspires to enhance the development of young athletes, instilling in them the winning mindset and values of a professional basketball player. Through camps, clinics, group outings, and international travel opportunities, this program not only caters to underserved communities, but provides experiences that nurture both athletic abilities and personal growth.

A Vision for the Future

The Juice Hoops Foundation blends the power of sports with community and education to offer a focused approach to championing inclusivity. And though their journey has just begun, Michael and his team are dedicated to empowering youth to achieve their potential.

“We want to be known as an organization that impacts lives,” Thompson proclaims, “and we are working every day to mobilize communities and create pathways for people from all walks of life to realize their innate talents and pursue their dreams.”

To learn more about The Juice Hoops Foundation, visit https://www.juicehoopsfoundation.org/

About the Author

Michael Thompson, now a full-time father and Neurodiversity advocate, sees nothing but hoops and hope on the horizon: “Our vision for the future is optimistic,” he says, citing ambitious plans to expand the Chicago operation. But what will it take to make this vision a reality? “The key is community,” Thompson declares. “Life is a team sport.”