WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A local nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth and families through community enhancement received a boost as KWCH and DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers provided a $1,200 Helping Hand for its ongoing efforts.

Jamarae Finnie, a former football standout at Langston University, founded Major Figures Incorporated with a mission rooted in giving back to the community that shaped him.

“I felt like I needed it as a kid as well. I’ve had great mentors, great people throughout my life. I’ve had great events, great different activities and services provided inside the community, especially the inner city communities, and it’s helped benefit me a lot of different ways, so I felt like I should pay it forward in that sense,” Finnie said.

On Aug. 30, the nonprofit founder and CEO hosted his fourth annual Back to School Basketball Jam at the Wichita Sports Forum. The three-on-three tournament offered more than athletic competition. The event provides free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies to participating youth. Finnie emphasized the deeper purpose behind the initiative.

“Hopefully, I can instill a seed in them, and they keep the dream alive. We’re here to lead effectively, accept responsibilities, empathize with others and ultimately lead courageously, and hopefully I instill those principles and they do the same once they get older and have the opportunity to do so,” Finnie said.

KWCH and DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers surprised Finnie with the Helping Hand donation to support his organization’s community work.