Xavier Heron, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, is navigating life as many teenagers do – going to school, getting good grades and enjoying time with his friends. Rather than excel in sports or business, his goal is to major in fashion design at the university of his choice. “I like fashion and it is something I have always been interested in pursuing,” Heron said. However, he does struggle to cope with adolescent challenges without a consistent male role model in his life. A safe space for young men to talk about their particular issues is Boys to Men of Greater Washington.
Boys to Men of Greater Washington specializes in creating a safe space where young men can talk about the events, emotions and experiences in their lives. It is a program dedicated to helping young men between the ages of 14 and 18 who don’t have a steady male role model in their lives. The national organization, Boys to Men USA, extends from California to Vermont.
Mentors may sign up as early as 18 years of age. They are males who are willing to be a constant role model in a young man’s life. “We try to plant seeds into the boys about life challenges. We don’t judge, and offer them opportunities to share about different aspects of growing up in the age that they are,” explained mentor Sylvester Hodge. Hodge, a retired military officer, has been in the organization for three years and recognizes the opportunity for growth in young men who are in the organization. “We cover bullying, hygiene, family issues and any life challenges. Our circles are confidential and we can talk about anything,” he said.
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