Weeknights
JAM
Each Tuesday night, 40 students meet for guidance, accountability, and spiritual nurturing. JAM provides team building activities, crazy games, great food, insightful teachings and a whole lot of love. In addition to JAM, YMEN mentors track each student’s grades and visit their respective school counselors; home visits are made periodically in order to build rapport and credibility with parents. Developing healthly, life-long relationships with our students will offset the negative external pressures the face at school and on the streets.
Mind Over Matters
Wednesday nights are for academic enrichment and entrepreneurship. Some of our young men are preparing for ACT & SAT tests while others are learning how to start and operate their own businesses. Growing leaders starts with helping our young men identify and capitalize upon their strengths.
Arts Alive
On Thursday nights, we provide innovatitve programs that fill the creative gaps of public education. Due to funding cutbacks, Chicago Public Schools are often unable to offer physical or artistic education. To fill that void, we offer classes in drama, culinary arts, and soap-box car creation. Through helping make the arts come alive for our young men, we are helping them develop a love for learning.
Recent Updates
- YMEN’s Auction is Coming!
- I just wanted to remind you that the YMEN 2011 Benefit Auction is only ONE WEEK AWAY! If you haven’t already purchased your ticket or table, or if you want to sponsor Lawndale parent or student to attend, please let me know as soon as possible! We only have a few tables left, and want to make [...] Read More
- Twin stars from West Side show the way
- At last count, just four of 10 black women who enrolled in college after graduating from a Chicago public school finished in six years. About 70 percent of black girls in Chicago graduate from high school. Trout invited her former students — girls she and her husband have mentored, sheltered in their home for a time [...] Read More
- Amazing News: Past, Present, and Future
- Past: Just this past week I attended the college graduations of our YMEN twins: Valonda and Victoria Roberts from Southern Illinois University and Denison University in Ohio. It was a powerful example of what hard work, determination, and a loving community can bring about. I am a proud papa! Present: Trucks are currently preparing and [...] Read More
