FY21

The Men for Change Mentoring Program had a successful program year. The challenge early in the program was due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Pre-COVID the number of youth engagement was higher; however, participating youth became lower as parents and guardians disallowed their youth to resume participation that time. As the months went on and the parents/guardians were more confident in COVID-19 safety measures (social distancing) and as the state safety requirements were lifted, the youth participation increased, overcoming the challenge. The number of youths mentored in the Men for Change Program over the years have always been 30 to 40. The attendance in the first quarter was low. But by the end of the 4th quarter the number of youths receiving mentoring services was 40. This was twenty-two (22) males and eighteen (18) females. Most were in the age ranges of 5 to 15. There were twenty-two African American (Haitian 2), one Hispanic, one White and fourteen Multiracial. We are excited to have several new kids that has joined the group. We had 4 referred from social services and 1 from juvenile services. Since they have joined it has been a pleasure. They are extremely excited with being in the group. They are participating and being involved as if they were always in the group. Since being around us and other kids their ages they can learn from our teachings and feel safe. Men for Change successfully held weekly mentoring group meetings, organized offsite activities & field trips, and educated the youth on various topics such as dangers of smoking/vaping, of alcohol and opioid use, and mental health options. We also provided the youth and families with needed PPE, toiletries, food and school supplies. Men for Change is excited to have the participation back to the usual numbers and are looking forward to the increased participation and program building in the next year.

FY21

Partners: (Who were your partners throughout the year?) Throughout the year, our partners were as follows. We are very grateful for our individual contributors like Wendy Garner and Mary Harding who consistently give because they believe in the Men for Change mission. • Local Law Enforcement • States Attorney (Joe Riley) • Senator Adie Eckardt • Judge Karen Jenson • Caroline County MOTA Partner – ARC of Hope Program • Caroline Human Services Council • Wendy Garner – Contributor • Mary Harding - Contributor

FY21

What worked was Men for Change mentors being consistently available. Even with the social distancing restrictions in place early in the program, the mentors remained committed to the weekly meetings, simply called “group” to be there for all participants no matter what. The kids/youth always know they have a place to go and that there is a mentor there for them. Providing meals each week and other needed supplies on occasion also worked to keep the kids engaged in the program. Community service incentives were also put in place to encourage more participation in service activities to qualify for participation in the large group field trips. This worked well.

FY21

There were 40 youth that received mentoring services. This was twenty-two (22) males and eighteen (18) females. Most were in the age ranges of 5 to 15. There were twenty-two African American (Haitian 2), one Hispanic, one White and fourteen Multiracial.

FY21

There were several favorite notes/letters provided throughout the program year. Bre’Je Midgett sent a very thoughtful letter to the mentors to thank them for all that has been don for her. Here is a snippet – “I would like to thank everyone in this group that has done something for me and not only gifts and other kindful thing but the lessons that I have heard. … I’ve learned many life lessons from this group that will help me become very successful for my adult life ahead of me.” We are excited that a young man was referred by juvenile services to the program. He has been attending every Friday since February. He is enjoying the group and is showing great progress. It is amazing to have a program like Men for Change to be able to help out with our at-risk youth in the community to guide and direct the youth in a positive way. A parent and two youth have submitted letters to the mentors to thank them and share feedback. (see attached letters) Here is a snippet from the parent – “I have 4 youth that have been attending the Men for Change group for over 10 years. …They have helped my children in many ways as well as the other children that attend. …They look forward to the weekly meetings and the volunteer work. …The new building will be a true blessing for a lot of the young people.” Here is a snippet from youth 1 – “My experience from being in the Men for Change is good. …Every Friday when I come I learn something new like what things you should do and not do and its just great to have you.” Here is a snippet from youth 2 – “They help young people develop important personal and interpersonal skills such as the ability to think critically and solve problems. They also help young people gain self confidence and self-esteem. I am currently attending Chesapeake College to get my degree in teaching. …By being a part of Men for Change and dealing with the youth it helped me build a stronger bond with them and they will help me further my career in teaching

Men for Change is a group mentoring program in the community of Federalsburg.  The program is currently serving a large population of at risk African American youth as well as a few Caucasian, Hispanic and Latino youth.  The program is currently serving 30-40 youth and meet at least once per week.  The program focuses on working with youth to stress the importance of school attendance and finishing school, pregnancy prevention, drug and alcohol prevention and crime prevention. The program will accept youth from any grade level or intensive needs but believes the earlier the youth receives mentoring the better the outcome. 

The target populations for this program are youth in the community of Federalsburg, Caroline County MD, who have been identified by the local school system as being at risk of high school dropout and truancy. Other youth, identified as youth at risk of high school dropout and truant youth, are those who are associated with the juvenile justice system and youth whose families are struggling with negative behaviors