Texans veteran defensive end Whitney Mercilus and his charitable foundation, the WithMerci foundation, have adopted Lamar Fleming Middle School and its special needs department to launch a life skills program.
Mercilus will be joined at a Tuesday press conference at the Houston Independent School District school to discuss the program by retired NBA player Mario Elie, former Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts and school officials.
Mercilus will unveil a newly renovated kitchen. Mercilus previously held a back-to-school event with Fleming, providing backpacks, school supplies and haircut vouchers. His foundation partnered with HISD in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey and have helped nearly 3,000 students.
“It’s important that children and adults with disabilities are always included," Mercilus said. "Inclusion is a battle that many advocates like myself and people with disabilities are fighting daily. So, I want to do my part remove any excuses and make sure children with disabilities have the life skills needed to not only survive, but to make a difference in this world - being treated like any other citizen."
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 years and has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128
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