What Is Cats That Care?
Founded and based in Memphis, Tennessee, Cats That Care is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect, develop, and protect the youth of Memphis using one of the beating hearts of this city: basketball. Basketball is more than a game in Memphis — it’s part of our identity. From the University of Memphis Tigers reaching the NCAA title game in 1973, to national high school legends like Penny Hardaway, Todd Day, Thaddeus Young, and Joe Jackson, to adopting the Vancouver Grizzlies and embracing them as our own, basketball runs through this city's veins.
At Cats That Care, we use that deep love for the game as a bridge. A bridge to connection, where young people find others who understand their struggles and experiences. A bridge to development, where discipline and accountability help shape strong character. And a bridge to protection, giving kids purpose and a safe, meaningful outlet to avoid bad decisions during idle time.
For many youth in Memphis, basketball is not merely recreation, but where they can be themselves. We’re here to nurture that space and help them grow and develop both on and off the court.
