EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Building Brighter Futures

RONNIE "ROCKET" HICKMAN

Rocket was born and raised in New Jersey. He started his education in Maplewood/South Orange, NJ. He began his football journey with the Maplewood South Orange Packers Pop Warner program. He also played lacrosse and basketball with Maplewood/South Orange. He attended DePaul Catholic High School where he earned his scholarships and an All-American athlete for both sports.  While in college, Rocket and his family started the Fourteen21 Cares foundation to support the youth. Rocket is an Alumni and graduate of The Ohio State, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Science. Rocket is currently a Safety for the Cleveland Browns.

“This is the beginning of my community efforts, I am very excited about this journey, and most importantly, the man that I am becoming.”

Family Statement: We will be forever grateful to the village that has been forged to help him prepare for this moment.

TOGETHER WE CAN

OUR MISSION

Fourteen21 Cares is a foundation committed to our communities, to provide an environment that enables the growth and development of our youth K-12. We partner with local leaders in education services, community events, youth camps and programs, to create a healthy and safe environment with activities, wellness, learning and social awareness.

THESIX PILLARS of Community Transformation

—    From education to mentorship, empowering every family to thrive    —

Educational Enrichment

We empower students to excel academically through our Training and Homework Hub, connecting them with certified teachers for personalized academic support. We also guide families through every step of college preparation and decision-making, while offering workshops in financial literacy, social etiquette, and digital skills to equip both students and parents for success.

Community Support Initiatives

We strengthen our community through essential support programs including hygiene drives, meal initiatives, back-to-school supplies, and volunteer opportunities—ensuring every family has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Inspiring Youth Through Sports & Arts

We strive to inspire our youth through sports & arts, with focus on the development of strategic thinking, teamwork, and confidence. Through transformative activities, we nurture personal growth and expand our community's collective impact and success.

Youth Development Activities

We host inclusive, engaging activitiy events designed to meet the diverse interests and physical needs of all youth, ensuring every young person feels welcomed and supported in our community.

Student-Athlete Mentorship

Our mentorship program prepares student athletes for life beyond sports, featuring industry professionals who share essential career skills and real-world opportunities to guide the future success of our youth.

Health Awareness

We champion youth wellness by promoting physical health awareness, encouraging our youth to understand and prioritize their bodies, promoting overall well-being as the foundation for a thriving life.

UPCOMING EVENTS

TOGETHER WE FEAST & CLOSET33 HYGIENE & ESSENTIALS

FOURTEEN21 Cares for the season brings together two initiatives to support youth and families in our local community:

💛 Help nourish hearts and homes this Thanksgiving—and support everyday care this winter.

  • Together We Feast: Our Thanksgiving Giveaway provides families in need in our community with a traditional Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.
  • CLOSET33 Hygiene Drive: We are raising funds to support the hygiene and clothing needs of youth in our community. Your gift helps us care for young people in practical ways that support their wellness and personal dignity.

At FOURTEEN21 Cares, we support the growth and development of our youth and strengthen the community around them. Through Cares for the Season, you can help us care for our neighbors with nourishing meals, hygiene essentials, and warm clothing.‍

Donate today and share FOURTEEN21 Cares for the Season with friends and family. DROP-OFF Donations accepted: Contact Hanifah Crawley (908) 342-0872

🧡 Thank you for showing up for our youth and being part of our community of care.

CLICK THE LINK TO DONATE

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/fourteen21-cares-winter-wishes

PAST EVENTS

Together We Feast

HYGIENE DRIVE

A Book and a Ball

Like MotherLike Son

Back to SchoolDrive

Next Gen Camps Hosted by NIke

Natalie Gray Foundation Event

Big Brothers Big Sisters Event

Taquan Roberson Skill Camp

Backpack Drive

Fourteen21 Cares and NJ Scholars joined together to host a drive at South Orange Middle school in South Orange, NJ. The combined organizations were able to give back 200 backpacks and supplies to start the school year off!

Back 2 School Drive

Fourteen21 Cares and Nesbit Cares Family organizations joined together to provide backpacks for the Irvington Golden Knights Football and Cheer Program ages 5-13.

IN THE NEWS

Back 2 School Giveaway Event

VIEW ARTICLE

Rocket Hickman Journey

VIEW ARTICLE

Next Gen Camps Hosted by Nike

VIEW ARTICLE

MEET THE team

Ronnie "Rocket" Hickman Jr.

Founder

Hanifah Crawley

Program Director

Tahjanae Johnson

Secretary/Event Committee

Ronnie Hickman Sr.

Treasurer/Program Development

CONTACT US

Thank you for your interest in the Fourteen21Cares Foundation. We welcome your inquiry, any questions, comments, or feedback you may have about our organization and vision.

* WORK WITH US! We are currently looking for new sponsorship partners. Fill out the form below and we will be in contact.
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info@fourteen21cares.com