INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Colts cornerback JuJu Brents is a force on the field, but off the field, his focus is on something even bigger– supporting single parents like his mother, who raised him and his siblings on her own.

Now, through their nonprofit, he’s turning his gratitude into action.

Growing up in Indianapolis, Brents saw the sacrifices his mother made to provide for their family, and shaping his drive to succeed. Now an NFL cornerback, Brents honors those sacrifices by giving back through the JuJu Brents & Folks Foundation. He credits his mother as his backbone, supporting him throughout his journey to the NFL and beyond.

“She makes it all happen. You know, times weren’t easy, definitely wasn’t easy. She persevered. It’s inspiring to see how she’s helped me and the rest of my siblings get to where we’re at in life. It’s just a testament to the woman she is and it’s a blessing now to be able to work together and be able to provide to women and families who may be going through the same thing,” said Brents.

His mother Serena Fowlkes, vice president of the JuJu Brents & Folks Foundation, says the nonprofit is about more than just financial support through grants- it’s about mentorship, providing scholarships for education and giving single parents access to resources like medical and dental care, childcare, and transportation.

“Resources were there, but I was not aware of all of the things were there because I was always in mom mom, survival mode, taking care of the kids mode. So once I got to this position, with God’s graces and JuJu getting to where he’s at now, we’re able to see what resources and what things I can tap into to help those that are struggling in those areas,” said Fowlkes.

Fowlkes says it’s a blessing to be able connect with other single parents in Indianapolis who have a similar journey.

“Don’t give up. Do not feel like as if you’re in this alone. Always know that there’s always help out there. You can receive help without judgement,” said Fowlkes.

For JuJu, a Warren Central graduate, being able to make a difference in the city he grew up in is a dream come true. For kids who are rasied by single parents like him, Brents says it’s important to never give up.

“Every type or hardship or storm I was in, it was just temporary. Just knowing that eventually I would get out of this hardship and stay on my path, so just keep going. You’ll eventually get there,” said Brents.

The foundation is just getting started but with its focus on empowerment and community support, Brents hopes to make a lasting difference.

“Down the line in the next five years, I just see it being more impactful and maybe even venture outside of the state of Indiana and be able to touch so many lives,” said Brents.

The foundation plans to host a backpack drive this summer in partnership with New Beginnings Fellowship Church.