james Washington

ABOUT JAMES WASHINGTON

Born in Los Angeles in 1965, James Washington attended Jordan High School before playing college football at UCLA. James was drafted into the NFL in 1988 where he played for the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. With the Cowboys, he won back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Growing up as an inner-city youth in Los Angeles, has given James a huge heart for giving back to the youth in his community and beyond. He seeks to improve the overall well-being of youth and young adults whose lives have been affected or disrupted by crime, violence, or abandonment and as a result, are more at-risk of turning to gangs, crime, drugs, or becoming withdrawn, antisocial, or socially inept.

James founded Shelter 37 in 1993 where he created and taught “Champs for Life”, a 17-week program for high schools that focuses on setting goals, staying focused, overcoming challenges and more. Shelter 37 is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation that provides highly effective life skills, job training and educational programs to youth in southern California. James’ efforts through Shelter 37 has helped to guide many inner city youth to attend and graduate from college which led to having much success in life.