“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
-Galatians 5:22-23
Dana Ford has quickly become one of the brightest and most respected coaches in college basketball. After taking over a Tennessee State school as the youngest coach in college basketball, he led them from a 5-26 record to a 20-11 campaign the very next year. Now leading a Missouri State team that has started the year 9-1, he has been praised for his development of young men both on and off the court. As he has garnered accolades for his success throughout his young career, his biggest impact comes from what he is doing away from the court.
Christina Ford never thought much of combining a non-profit and sports to make an impact. However, after marrying her husband, Dana, the two found a way to combine their passions. Coming from a home of domestic violence and experiencing it as a young woman, Christina Ford wanted to make an impact.
She wanted to preserve a woman’s worth and remind young individuals of what healthy relationships look like. Christina started the Rebound Foundation, a non-profit that works to provide transitional housing to women and children and educate on healthy relationships. “We were able to combine our two passions and use our platform, which is basketball, for good.” The biggest event for the Rebound foundation comes on the night of the Rebound Challenge. “It really comes together on one night, the Rebound Challenge game, where we have our fundraiser with players and students to help raise money at the Missouri State game. Pledges are made for rebounds made and those funds go towards our transitional homes. I’m very proud of Dana as he really stands up to what it means to not only be a man of God, but really supportive of his wife and what a healthy relationship looks like.”
Both Dana and his wife say faith is what has driven them to where they are today. Dana says, “My faith has influenced every facet of my life in a very positive way including coaching. Galatians 5:22-23 would best describe the influence it has on my coaching journey. 
My end goal is to have produced the fruits of the Spirit throughout every aspect of the program. Being raised by my God-fearing grandmother, I have been exposed to the gospel my entire life. Nothing has influenced my life more than my beliefs and faith in Jesus.” Christina reflects those words as well, saying faith is just a part of who they are. “Faith is everything to us. It is intertwined with who we are. Sometimes it can be difficult because we always want to stand firm in our faith, but also understanding that not everybody is going to have the same views. In reverence to God’s Vision, we put scripture throughout the homes, give them a personal Bible, and offer to help find a church if interested, but we never force or require this of anyone.” They both live out their faith by their actions, and the way they walk reflects the love that they share.
As Dana and Christina have grown the Rebound Foundation, they continue to place emphasis on sustaining homes and modeling healthy relationships.
Christina says, “We want to continue on providing transitional housing for women and children. We have 2 homes in Springfield and are opening a third in Chicago. We want to transform into being a multi state organization, and we want to be really good at what we do.” Dana says that modeling how to treat a woman and how to be a man starts in his own home. “Being a great husband and father is a very difficult task for anyone. I have to lean heavily on my faith in order to do my best in regards to fulfilling this requirement. My philosophy of caretaker is deeply rooted in my faith. I strive to love and provide for my family much like Christ (on a much higher level) does for all of us.”
As Dana and Christina gear for how they will continue to grow both on and off the court, they have also been molded by loss.
In 2017, they lost a child at birth. The tragedy rocked them, but Christina says she learned that even in the difficult times, God is in control. “That was for sure the hardest thing in my life. Losing a baby is the furthest thing from my mind. For Dana, it was a moment for him to realize that God was in control and had a plan even when things didn’t go as we had planned. It’s easy when everything is great to say what we believe in, but in those dark moments it is really hard. But I learned He remains who He is, even in our darkest moments. It just taught me that He is there through sorrow and happiness, and He is the same God, always. He was with us throughout the whole time.”
After COVID hit, the Ford’s looked for ways to continue to grow and reach people throughout the trying time. As Christina has done online seminars and lessons about healthy relationships and they continue to provide housing for women and children in need, they are continuing to build relationships with so many throughout Springfield and beyond. Dana says that he is proud of what his wife has built and excited to continue their journey of using basketball to make an impact. “The Rebound Foundation has been a joyful journey. Watching my wife blossom in her calling has been a pleasure. Also teaching our children how to serve and enhance the kingdom has been very rewarding. Watching God make dreams come true gives you great perception on what’s really important in life.”
To support The Rebound Foundation, click here
