DETROIT – Boys 2 Men, a local nonprofit, teaches boys about mental health awareness, conflict resolution and etiquette training.
Since Boys 2 Men launched in 2018, more than 1,000 boys have gone through the program.
Mark Watts said mentorship plays a key role in guiding the next generation to success.
“We try to give them the tools that need to help them with their journey to manhood, that’s why we’re here,” said Watts.
Ranging from ages 11 to 17, about 200 boys from Detroit and Southfield took part.
Raushaun Gray is a senior and is already thinking about what he wants to do after he graduates.
“I want to be a leader, just have good discipline, know how to motivate people, know how to help people,” said Raushaun.
His grandmother, Leanora Gray, said programs like this will hopefully bring out his true potential.
“I think mental health components are important, as well as resolving conflict and communicating. Those events are important so we can navigate better together,” said Leanora.
The event is free to attend, and the results speak for themselves.
“We’ve mentored 1,000 boys. Out of those 1,000 boys, we have zero incarceration rate; everybody graduated from high school, and they’re in college, so we’re doing something right,” said Watts.
From exploring different careers to honing diverse skills, Boys 2 Men is helping children grow into healthy, happy and productive members of society.
“Seeing kids that have aged out and now they’re adults and doing what we taught them, that feels good, that’s the reward,” said Watts.