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Our 32nd Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers ISSUE NO. 35 • August 29, 2024 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
This football fan’s dream has been granted 14-year-old JJ is heading to Seattle not the kid who will get a lot of playing time,” said Ervin. “He finds a lot of peace and comfort in the game.” JJ was born the same year his dad began his chaplaincy with the East Rutherford High School football team. When JJ was about eight years old he was allowed to be the ball boy at East and the guys on the high school team became important to him. “It’s really the only thing he’s really known... then he started hanging out with me on the sidelines,” said Ervin. JJ runs the football for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for the games. Although a little awkward and with some anxiety, Ervin says JJ “has been able to make pretty special connections with coaches and players in the outside world.” Regardless of where he has been, football has always been such an outlet and his favorite sport. During a time when JJ was attending Camp Harmony, the family learned of Dream On 3 and JJ was actually referred to the organization by a camp counselor, Ali Flack. Her brother, Chad Flack became involved and knowing JJ’s love for football and sports, began to make some connections with the Charlotte based organization. “So in November, we’re going to Washington,” said Ervin. The announcement that JJ had been selected as a ‘dreamer’ was made recently at a scrimmage game at East Rutherford. “We were kind of asked to keep it under wraps, but JJ being the booger he is, overheard some of the conversation and it wasn’t a complete surprise,” Ervin continued. Joe said his son is a person of few words, “but the way his face lit up, said it all. It was that million dollar smile. We are so thankful. We are really humbled that we got chosen.” This football season, look for JJ on the sidelines of the East Rutherford football games, having the time of his life and waiting for his dream to come later this fall in Seattle.
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JJ Ervin plays football at East Middle School and is the ball boy for the East Cavaliers.
JJ Ervin with his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Joe Ervin and his sister, Gabby.
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opportunity to live out their ultimate sports dreams through customized JJ Ervin is heading across the United experiences with a favorite athlete, States this fall to watch his favorite sporting event, or sports team. NFL team play football — the Seattle JJ and his family’s experience Seahawks. will include luxury accommodations, It’s definitely a dream come true transportation, and dining as well as for this young guy who knows about other activities based on his interests football. and the big game. The son of Rev. Joe and Liz Ervin “All the fun is anchored to the of Forest City, JJ was selected by main event – JJ’s requested Sports the nonprofit organization Dream Dream,” said Ruocco. “JJ is going On 3 to travel to Washington along to be a VIP at one of the Seattle with his parents and sister to enjoy Seahawks home games...Other a Seahawks game. Several other details will be a surprise to JJ and his surprises await him there. family.” Dream On 3 makes sports-themed Diagnosed at age three with “dreams” come true for kids and young autism and nonverbal a few years, JJ adults, ages 5-21, who are living is challenged in social skills that often with life-altering conditions including come to him slowly, said his father. those with mental health challenges Today as an eighth grader, JJ at and intellectual disabilities. age 14, is in a traditional classroom JJ was introduced to Dream with certain times of his day spent On 3 by one of the organization’s with a Special Education Team to referral partners and will be the third make sure he is doing well. Dreamer from Rutherford County to “He has some pull out time, but we be granted a dream, said Marketing definitely want him to be engaged in Specialist Kelsey Ruocco. the classroom as much as possible,” Dream On 3 has communities in said Ervin. the Carolinas, North Texas, Rocky When JJ began kindergarten he Mountain, Georgia, and D.C. The was in special needs classes, but organization was founded by Brandon teachers soon discovered he was and Elizabeth Lindsey in 2013. being held back intellectually and Dream Recipients are given the JJ began to go into a traditional classroom setting. “As far as his academics, he is standard,” said his dad. JJ hasn’t been able to connect well with his peers, so making friends has been a challenge. “One thing we have learned, that through his football he doesn’t have to say a whole lot to a part of this team,” said Ervin. Although JJ plays football at Dream On 3 made the football fan’s dream come true. East Middle, “he is By Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed.