Family Focus

Mentoring partner of year chosen for devoted work with Charlotte young men

Each January, in conjunction with National Mentoring Month, the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance gathers to honor the remarkable mentoring work that takes place in the Charlotte community.

The alliance highlights the achievements of individuals and organizations who have made it their mission to inspire and motivate our youth and their families to continue to lead positive lives.

There were seven award categories, including educator mentoring partner of the year, first responder mentoring partner of the year, grassroots mentoring organization of the year, best collaboration in mentoring, peer mentor of the year, mentee of the year and mentor of the year.

Boys to Men Foundation was selected winner as grassroots mentoring partner of the year.

Boys to Men serves young men (ages 9-17) receive mentoring, tutoring and home/school visits by qualified mentors. To participate in the program, parents and students must participate in community service activities, and parents must attend monthly parent workshops.

Boys to Men Foundation Executive Director Timothy Fowler accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

“Effective mentoring includes the ability and willingness to develop mutual trust and respect, help the mentee solve his or her own problem, rather than give direction and value the mentee as a person,” Fowler said.

At the recent awards ceremony, Lyles said that throughout her time as mayor, she has come to know many great examples of how our community comes together and strives to create better opportunities for our youth.

“The best thing about Charlotte is our people,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This community is comprised of many generous people who work tirelessly to give back to others.”

Boys to Men has many groups in its organization that help young people, such as the Young Men, Conversation with a Young Brother and Turn Around. The groups have helped many young men to score better grades and complete community service hours, and contributed to a higher rate of completion for the programs Boys to Men provides.

Lyles acknowledged the meaningful work performed by mentoring agencies and individuals in Charlotte, along with the dedication required to support the social and emotional well-being of our future community leaders.

“As mentors and advocates, we personify the generosity of spirit and the unconditional giving of self often required during the most vulnerable circumstances,” Lyles said.

The Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance connects Charlotte organizations to promote mentoring and its best practices through training sessions and workshops, recognition and establishing quality standards for mentoring in the city.

Click here to learn more about the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs managers, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.