You’re both also active in the foster parent community. How did that come about?
That has been a special focus of Lauren’s for many years. She really has a heart for young people who don’t have a stable home life. We did foster parenting in Pittsburgh when we were first married and have always supported the program. When Lauren was invited to speak at an event to bring awareness to the needs of the foster parent care program in the Tampa area, we became aware of the huge need for foster parents here. We decided to get involved relicensed as foster parents ourselves and it has been a true blessing to be involved once again.
As advocates in the foster parenting community, what do you see the biggest needs or challenges right now?
There is just a tremendous need for volunteers. The system is overwhelmed because the number of children outweighs the number of people we have helping. Of course, we need more foster parents but the case workers are overloaded, too. We need to make more people aware of just how many children are currently in need of a safe, stable place to grow up.
How can people become involved with or support your foundation?
They can go to DungyFamilyFoundation.org to get more information about us and different opportunities to help.
Visit Tony Dungy’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/tony-dungy
Visit Lauren Dungy’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/lauren-dungy
Maria Finds Courage
A Team Dungy Story About Soccer
Tony Dungy and Lauren Dungy
Harvest Kids
Find the Courage to Try Something New
When Maria’s family moves to a new town, her parents sign her up for the summer soccer team to help her meet new friends. But Maria has never tried soccer before. She would rather be back on her old swim team. Maria is afraid she will be the worst player and no one will like her.
Coach Tony and Coach Lauren remind Maria everything is new at first. Maria will have to give soccer a try to see if she likes it. What have you wanted to try but were afraid to? Like Maria, you can have the courage to try something new, because who knows? That new thing you try might just become your next favorite thing!
Austin Plays Fair
A Team Dungy Story About Football
Tony Dungy and Lauren Dungy
Harvest Kids
Fair Play Is Always the Right Way
Austin loves playing flag football for the Trentwood Tigers. There is only one problem. His team has lost six games in a row, and he doesn’t like losing. At his next game, Austin’s teammate has a plan to trick the other team. It works, but Austin knows his team cheated to win.
Coach Tony and Coach Lauren remind Austin the most important thing about football isn’t winning—it’s playing fair. When his team takes the field for their next game, will Austin choose to cheat again, or will he stand up for what’s right? What would you do if you were in Austin’s shoes?