Approximately 51% of the population in the Kansas city area are classified at the lowest rate of literacy....

Derrick Thomas' dream was to sack illiteracy among our urban youth. He knew that teaching children to read would help them avoid the societal issues of poverty, unemployment and poor health that develops out of being an illiterate adult. The Third and Long Foundation strives to keep his dream alive by changing the lives of 9 to 13 year old urban children facing challenging and even life-threatening situations. Through social, cultural, and educational activities and programs, the Third and Long Foundation helps participating children succeed in school and in an outside world possessing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. 

"Derrick Thomas and the Third and long reading club have helped me do better in school and to set more goals for myself to better my life."

The Third and Long Foundation has helped over 500 students since 1990. We have also awarded over $100,000 in scholarships. We play an important role in the lives of our children since the recipients of our programs are children that face life situations that could result in drug use, violence, crime, and unemployment.