MISSION

In 1996, during his rookie season with the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter and his father, Dr. Charles Jeter, created the Turn 2 Foundation to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. When the Foundation was born, Derek drew inspiration from his father's experience as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor whose work had helped so many people overcome substance abuse. Derek recognized that motivating young people to rise above negative influences was key to helping them reach their full potential and, with his father's help, made it a cornerstone of Turn 2.

More than two decades later, the Turn 2 Foundation continues to build upon that legacy by helping hundreds of young people in New York, West Michigan and Tampa, Florida, each year to reach their full potential. The Foundation's initiatives are designed to foster leadership development, academic excellence, positive behavior and social change. In its 25-year history, Turn 2 has given back more than $40 million, funding its signature programs as well as organizations that support its mission.

Mission Statement

Turn 2's mission is to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior. Turn 2's goal is to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of tomorrow.

The Foundation will nurture the children it serves with the cooperation of sponsors, partners and Turn 2 staff. Their commitment and hands-on involvement is vital for success.

The following strategies are incorporated into each of Turn 2's initiatives:

  • Guide children each day toward healthy lifestyles while reinforcing the avoidance of drugs and alcohol.
  • Fund organizations that share Turn 2's fundamental values.
  • Host special events as a platform for Derek to personally deliver his message to today's youth.
  • Empower youth to use their voices and actions to create positive social change in communities across the country.
  • Motivate young people to excel academically and serve as role models to their peers.

Fun Fact

The name "Turn 2" is symbolic of the dramatic double play made by infielders during a game. It also represents Derek's wish to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and enable them to "Turn 2" his Foundation for guidance and support to avoid drugs and alcohol. No. 2 was Derek's jersey number during his 20-year career with the New York Yankees, and was retired in Monument Park during a special ceremony in 2017.