Often, people focus on gifts, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and family gatherings during the holidays. While these traditions are meaningful, the true essence of the holiday spirit lies in community, in how we spend time together and who we choose to spend it with. This holiday season, we want to reflect on the community that means so much to us: the 318 Foundation community, a community we have built, grown, and shared.
As many of you know, the 318 Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Alana Beard. After her final WNBA game in 2019, Alana reflected on her journey, her roots, and the community that supported her along the way. That moment sparked a deeper question: How can I give back in a way that serves my community? From that reflection, the 318 Foundation was born.
Alana began a listening tour, engaging with community leaders, educators, and other professionals to better understand the needs of the people she wanted to serve. The foundation was built on the principles of listening, ownership, and community-driven impact. Rather than naming it the Alana Beard Foundation, she chose a name that represents the collective. The 318 reflects Shreveport’s area code and symbolizes communities that often lack access and opportunity, communities that deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. At the 318 Foundation, community always comes first.
So, how do we support our community? Through VISION, supporting their voice, their identity, their success, their innovation, and providing a network. Our programs focus on empowering young girls from historically marginalized communities by creating access through mentorship, sports, and leadership development. Whether through our VISION and SPORTS programs, we are committed to helping young people set goals and believe in what’s possible.
This holiday season, the greatest gift isn’t something wrapped; it’s the community we serve and the people who walk alongside us. We are grateful for our mentors, coaches, donors, partners, parents, and, most importantly, our participants: the VISIONARIES and LEADER-ATHLETES who inspire us daily. Because of you, the 318 Foundation continues to grow and thrive.
As we move into the New Year, we do so with gratitude, purpose, and renewed goals. We remain committed to building momentum, expanding access, and strengthening our community through sports, education, and connection.
During this season of holidays and fellowship, let us continue to listen, learn, and love. May we have the audacity to dream boldly and the confidence to pursue new possibilities. Growth is never a solo journey, and the 318 Foundation proudly stands as a source of support today, in the New Year, and for years to come.
To support our program and help more girls find their voice, develop their identity, and reach for success, please visit: https://www.318foundation.org/donate
