PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz may now be in Arizona, but he is still determined to make a difference in Philadelphia. His charitable foundation continues its work on transforming a building in Hunting Park to serve teens and their families.
His mother Lisa Ertz is executive director of the Ertz Family Foundation. She said she is proud of her son.
"I am inspired by him every day," she said. "The way he's left the city with the wonderful message, the emotion just shows you it is a hard thing for him to leave here."
But the foundation's work to benefit others goes on. Its mission is to help teens in underserved areas. Ertz said they've teamed up with the Grace and Peace Community Fellowship to transform a building at Hunting Park Avenue and Old York Road into a "House of Hope," with help from the city and fans.
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According to Ertz, the building will include "a big community kitchen [and] a big outside space so kids can get together and be safe. We are going to provide college readiness, financial literacy, job development, a big esports platform and forum that kids love now. Trauma-informed care for kids who are dealing with violence. You just look at the community right now and say, 'What do the kids need?' and they are telling us!"
She said the building just needs a little love, but they can use all they help they can get.
"We've had so many people just say, 'How can we help?' People are donating wood and steel and landscaping. We are looking for donations of all different kinds," Ertz said.
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"My job is to just amplify Zachary and Julie's voice in the city and to use their platform for good, to truly make a difference."
The foundation aims to have The House of Hope finished by the winter. They are encouraging fans to donate $8.60 each to the foundation to make this possible.
"We have had thousands of people give us $8.60," said Ertz, "and I say if Zachary has given you $8.60 worth of joy — the parade, the Super Bowl, the touchdown catch — help us. Let's do this together."