Family First. Family Last. Family Always.
That’s the message written on the wall of the newly refurbished basketball court at Family T.R.E.E., that was dedicated by the Chris Paul Family Foundation, along with State Farm and Spaulding.
According to Thunder digital reporter Paris Lawson, Family T.R.E.E. “serves as a resource and a space for families and children within the Child Welfare System to spend time with each other and reunify their family.”
It’s why it meant so much for Paul to design the court’s facelift alongside his 10-year-old son.
“It was very important. I always say I’m lucky to have an unbelievable support team around me,” said the Thunder point guard. “It was a heck of a coincidence because we designed the ball and then came Family T.R.E.E. so it was very fitting.”
Family first. Family last. Family always.
Today, the @CP3 Family Foundation, in partnership with Spalding and State Farm, dedicated a court to Family T.R.E.E, an organization dedicated to renewing and reunifying families. pic.twitter.com/pjWpWgG9XE
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 11, 2020
As noted by Lawson, the court at Family T.R.E.E. got a floor pattern, fresh paint, and an upgraded backboard.
But the look of the court isn’t as important as what it provides – a safe space. And Deb Shropshire, Director of Child Welfare for the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services told Lawson that’s what has the greatest impact.
“The children served in this place are in foster care which means they aren’t getting the chance to be around family every day and so to provide spaces where those kids can play, they can forget about their troubles but also enjoy time with their family is really, really important to us and there’s no question that the court renovation and the beauty of the space and that basketball court will allow us to see kids enjoy great days.”
The kids that get to enjoy the new court are now part of Paul’s family. Always.