The Los Angeles Rams and the Ed Block Courage Foundation have officially named A Place Called Home (APCH) the team's official "Courage House." Making the announcement in front of APCH children was the Rams Director of Sports Medicine and Performance and head athletic trainer, REGGIE SCOTT, who was joined by the Ed Block Courage Foundation's director of operations, Brett Dickinson, and A Place Called Home's executive director, Jonathan Zeichner. 

Zeichner believes there is no ceiling to what the Rams and his organization can accomplish together. As some of the best role models, Zeichner thinks Rams players and staff can leave a lasting imprint on the program's youth by inspiring children to become well-rounded and hardworking contributors to society and introducing them to potential fields of interest.

"We're excited to be included in the Rams homecoming to Los Angeles and we appreciate the team's commitment to the youth and families of A Place Called Home. This partnership will shine a light on APCH and send the message that, for the Rams, it's important to invest in the community and assist people who are struggling against adversity. Young people look up to professional athletes, and connecting with them as real people who work hard to pursue their dreams will make a deep impression. Having Rams players and staff give and become involved as volunteers at APCH is going to make for a meaningful partnership in service and a great example of how success is sweeter when there is a greater purpose. Together, we can do a lot."

The Rams'* *Scott is passionate about APCH's mission and hopes to provide its youth some exclusive learning opportunities ranging from fitness and nutrition initiatives to mentorship programs. He believes this partnership will serve as a continuation of the important work the Rams have been doing in the LA community since their move back home in 2016.

"We're excited to continue to elevate the things APCH has been doing in the community," said Scott. "And we're thrilled to introduce some entry programs such as: PLAY 60 assistance with their fitness activities, potential mentorship/internship programs to give some of the APCH college students and scholarship recipients an opportunity to see behind the scenes and experience a professional sports atmosphere, and to engage students in a garden and nutrition program to enhance their healthy eating habits. We'll continue building off of what our organization has already begun in the LA area with our community outreach initiatives. This will provide great opportunities for our Ed Block Courage winner, the Sports Medicine and Performance departments, and other Rams employees to continue to give back to our LA community."

As he recognizes NFL players throughout the league who embody the revered qualities of legendary NFL trainer Ed Block, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation's Dickinson has made it his mission to advance the traditions that Block once started.

Ed Block was a WWII vet and a Purple Heart recipient who later became the Head Athletic Trainer for the Baltimore Colts (1954-1977). Remembered as one of the most educated athletic trainers of his day, his most significant contributions came in the steadfast manner in which he gave of himself to help improve the lives of children. Each year, the Ed Block Courage Award honors NFL players from each team, who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. All award recipients are selected solely by a vote of their teammates.

"We are so proud to work with the Rams in Los Angeles as they begin to grow their imprint on the LA community," said Dickinson. "The enthusiasm of the entire organization is special, as we know they will do a remarkable job in supporting APCH. I was overwhelmed how amazing APCH is, with the amount they are able to provide for the local at-risk youth. With the Rams staff and players, I have no question we'll be able to look back after 20 years and see the program's growth because of the partnership with the Rams. When we have so many dedicated people working together - between APCH, the Rams and the Ed Block Foundation - we'll accomplish great things."

The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation Inc. is dedicated to supporting the well-being of abused, neglected and at-risk children throughout the Courage House National Support Network for Kids. Through its partnership with the NFL, the Foundation cultivates awareness at each "Courage House" and helps to raise funds for their programs and initiatives.

A Place Called Home provides a safe, nurturing environment with proven programs in arts, education and wellness for the young people in South Central Los Angeles to help them improve their economic conditions and develop healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives.

For more information about the Rams community outreach initiatives, please visit therams.com/community.