Email Us: boys2menyouthprograms@gmail.com
Call Us: (515) 771-1639
The saying about building strong children is often attributed to Frederick Douglass. Its attribution is unverified, so it should not be presented as a confirmed quotation from his published writings.
Boys 2 Men Youth Programs was created to help equip minority youth and families with the tools necessary to successfully complete elementary school, transition into middle school while assisting families in addressing delinquent behaviors that might lead the youth into the juvenile justice system. Our programming also provides opportunities for high school students to volunteer to work with younger youth while avoiding delinquent activities that could be detrimental to their future. Additionally, our programming meets the needs of mainstream students who are enrolled in regular education programs as well as alternative school programs and provides age and developmentally appropriate opportunities for youth and families to build community while learning basic life skills that are conducive to becoming productive members of their communities. We believe it is important to inspire students and help them to see themselves in a positive light despite their surroundings, family history or current situation. Our programming strives to promote positive self-image, remove barriers that don’t lead to positive behaviors and equips our young people to be leaders by working with school counselors, teachers, parents and other community-based programs. We also teach youth basic leadership skills to be successful in their homes, schools and communities.
The Boys 2 Men Youth Programs works primarily for the benefit of at-risk boys in fifth grade in the Des Moines Public Schools and neighboring community. Currently, Boys 2 Men Youth Programs meets after-school with fifth-grade boys from area elementary schools on a weekly basis to provide positive support and guidance. These after-school programs function as outlets to connect fifth-grade boys with positive role models from the Greater Des Moines community. Boys 2 Men Youth Programs also promotes the importance of staying in school and setting goals, notably providing fifth-grade boys a positive path to express themselves while holding them accountable for antisocial behaviors.
Learn about our free weekly after-school sessions, volunteer as a mentor, or support the program.
The weekly after-school sessions actively promote teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility, and offer 5th-grade boys opportunities to engage.
Teamwork and wellness activities encourage boys to support one another and build personal responsibility.
Boys explore leadership through group activities that help them practice teamwork and make thoughtful choices.
Learning activities encourage curiosity and help boys build confidence as they prepare for middle school.
Hands-on activities give boys opportunities to practice useful skills and work together.
Finally, Boys 2 Men provides a celebratory event for all its participants who make it to the end of the year. At the conclusion of the event, each youth receives a leadership trophy commemorating their successful completion of the program. They also receive their Boys 2 Men Youth Programs t-shirt, dinner, and tickets to attend activities such as Sky Zone or go-kart riding as one way to continue to expose them to other ways to have fun. On average, we celebrate nearly 40 students each year. We also recognize our nearly 10 volunteers who have helped us make it through the years.
Funding is very important and needed for our organization to continue providing programming in the Des Moines community. We could definitely use donations of any amount to continue our programming of football camps, camping, tours to historical sites, local sporting events, snacks, meals and drinks, t-shirts, games, supplies, and a host of other necessities as we continue to be proactive in our efforts to save our youth. This is important because programming and all activities are 100% free to all participants.
Do you want to join the team, volunteer, donate, or have questions? Let us know!
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