The J.D. and Laurena Walker Family Fund (The Fund) promotes a legacy of lifelong learning and service endowed by its founder, Evelyn Walker Armstrong.   The Fund perpetuates family values endowed by her parents.  J.D. and Laurena Walker, the second of three generations from Griffin, GA, migrated to Philadelphia, PA in 1926.  Evelyn, her sister Mary Ann, brothers James, and Edward were encouraged to pursue an education, service, and work ethic.  

 

Ms. Armstrong endowed The Fund after retiring from MERCK.  Since 1997, The Fund has demonstrated growth through the development of its beneficiaries. Originally established as The J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation of the NHF, The Fund serves as a development resource for public charity programs. 

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On September 11, 2006, Ms. Armstrong collaborated with family members, beneficiaries and friends to form the Delaware nonprofit corporation, YOUTH ACHIEVERS USA INSTITUTE.  YouthUSA administers The Fund, as well as other youth and community development programs. 

 

The Fund offers descendants of J.D. and Laurena Walker, as well as beneficiaries, a sustained reminder of the good works and family values endowed to them by ordinary people on an extraordinary journey.   The public benefit of The Fund is its investment in America’s future workforce.  Although no contributions or earnings inure to any private shareholder or individual, YouthUSA offers its donors a “Return on Investment” through sustained interest in our beneficiaries. 

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