The Village

The Village mentoring program believes experience is the master teacher, therefore we strive to provide as many real life experiences as possible. Our program focuses heavily on teaching the young men a work ethic through modeling. We orchestrate non-traditional activities which allow the young men to be curious and explore under the umbrella of safe keeping. Labor is essential to relationship building as men. We have performed a wide range of services including but not limited to volunteering in food pantries, homeless shelters, neighborhood clean ups, and local toy/food drives.

The Village specializes in activities ranging from GM motor plant tours and S.T.E.M. programs to youth summits, firearms safety courses and paint-balling. We also participate in more traditional work such as cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and helping people move. Such activities cultivate self-directed learning, modeling, and relationship development. Through work, bonding comes naturally. This not only raises self esteem but also give participants a sense of accomplishment, all while unconsciously exercising cognitive development.

Our mentees have stayed committed to serving their community and demonstrated high levels of success which has earned them access to higher education. Our program graduates have gone on to attend colleges such as Harris-Stowe State University, Maryville University, University of Missouri, University of Michigan, Texas Prairie View University and a host of junior colleges and trade schools.

Program Statistics

65% of mentees live in single-parent households
25% live with someone other than a birth parent
85% live in households led by single mothers
33% of households served have received some form of state or federal assistnace
100% of program graduates also graduate from high school

The Village has served households in Ferguson, Jennings, Riverview, Olivette, Bridgeton, Clayton, Alton and East St. Louis.