About
History & Background
W.I.S.E Way's journey began as the #WeBall4Destin Foundation in 2016, founded by Mariel "Cooper" Wise, then an NFL rookie, in honor of his late brother, Destin, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2015. Over seven years, #WeBall4Destin made a profound impact in Sumter County, SC, providing over $30,000 in scholarships, event sponsorships, and charitable donations.
The impactful initiatives of #WeBall4Destin did not go unnoticed, as the foundation garnered recognition from both local and national media outlets, including NFL Network, WLTX News 19, and The State Newspaper. In 207, #WeBall4Destin was honored with the Aflac Midlands Gives Award for its outstanding contributions to the community.
In 2023, #WeBall4Destin expanded its reach to the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex communities, rebranding itself as W.I.S.E Way. The organization's inaugural initiative in the region was a partnership with Mercy Street, a prominent nonprofit in West Dallas. In the fall of 2023, W.I.S.E Way developed and ran football programming for Mercy Street, impacting the lives of 125 underserved youth athletes aged 6-13.
Today, W.I.S.E Way continues its mission of empowering minority communities through athletics and education initiatives. Our dedication to inspiring a culture of excellence that values diversity and cultivates tomorrow's leaders remains unwavering.
Our Mission
W.I.S.E Way is committed to empowering underserved communities through health & wellness initiatives and education, fostering a culture of excellence that values diversity, by inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create thriving communities, where every individual is inspired to reach their fullest potential. We believe that through unwavering commitment to excellence, we can empower, encourage, and motivate today’s youth, fostering a belief that no goal is beyond their reach, regardless of their background.
"Where Individuals Soar to Excellence"