6 minute read
Boyz 2 Men Development, INC.
EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
By Natalie Downey
We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village,” and for Shawna Love, Boyz 2 Men Development Inc. Executive Director, “We are that village.”
There are a lot of reasons to love living in our beautiful city. Columbus continues to grow and draw more and more people in. However, much like in far too many cities across the nation, it’s no secret that crime rates have steadily risen while vulnerable communities go overlooked.
“Research shows the interconnectedness of poverty, violence, and crime,” Shawna says. With a background in social work, she was compelled to address the root cause of crime in our area.
In 2016, Shawna developed the nonprofit organization Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc. with the mission of helping young people through mentoring programs and foster care. The nonprofit is community focused and hosts community events throughout the year.
Boyz 2 Men consists of many facets of service. The nonprofit organization is a licensed child placement agency in Georgia and works with DFCS to place referred youth in approved foster homes. In addition,
Boyz 2 Men runs a program called M.A.T.C.H., an acronym that stands for Mentoring, Affirmation, Teaching, Counseling, and Healing. M.A.T.C.H. was started with the belief that “It only takes a match to get the fire started.” The program offers help to youth who have little to no supervision at home, who need to learn life skills, work through personal trauma, and find
healing and a sense of belonging in their community. M.A.T.C.H. offers mentoring, tutoring, and group counseling in schools across our community throughout the school year. Participants learn anger management and conflict resolution as well as job skills, and they also receive tutoring in math and literacy. Group counseling covers topics such as emotional regulation, a life skill which can have a profound lasting impact. The focus is on intervention in schools, and over 200 young males between the ages of 10-16 have participated since the program began.
“We give a lot back to the community,” Shawna explains. Boyz 2 Men hosts community events throughout the year, such as Teen Summit, an event that appeals to youth with its 106 & Park style. Attendees receive free food, school supplies, and enjoy giveaways and music, with discussion about relevant community topics. Representatives from a local bank attend events and teach participants life skills such as financial literacy, credit, and opening a checking account. Members from the local police force present information on community topics and interact with attendees.
Their annual Harvest Festival, another community event, features games, candy, popcorn, a DJ, and even a baby goat. The event is a big hit in the community, but Shawna always needs the support of volunteers and donations.
In August, Boyz 2 Men will partner with Chattahoochee Adventure Company for Fam Friday, a night focused on supporting families while having fun.
With a focus on helping young boys with little adult supervision and limited resources, Boyz 2 Men hosts events that appeal to this group, like Mancave Saturdays, with food, fun, and football.
Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc is not just about helping develop young boys into strong community leaders. It also seeks to support and help families – and they do help girls as well. “Our vision is stable communities with people who are healthy, productive,
and self-reliant,” Shawna says. Parenting workshops are offered through Boyz 2 Men on a monthly basis through their M.A.T.C.H. program.
Recently, Boyz 2 Men received a grant from the Columbus Office of Crime Prevention for their M.A.T.C.H. program in recognition of the program’s important work in supporting and building up youth. Shawna speaks of the importance of teaching youth to love their community, and tells the story of an ex-gang member who no longer wanted to be in a gang because he now loves his city.
We are more likely to want to protect a place and contribute our talents when we feel we belong, are valued, seen, and heard. Shawna understands this and is striving to give local youth a safe place to discover their
worth, importance, and place in our community. “I want to give males the tools they need to lead households,” Shawna says. "This isn’t work for me,” she explains, “It’s ministry, it’s in my heart, it’s my purpose - it’s a new awakening when you’re working in your purpose.”
As she gives so much to the local community, Shawna asks that we consider giving in return. Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc. is always in need of volunteers. She is looking for male mentors who can offer two hours of their time per week. She’d like to see volunteers teach participants life skills such as changing a tire and fishing. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, contact Shawna at boyz2mendevelopment@gmail.com, or call (706) 577-8222.
Foster care placement is a big part of Boyz 2 Men’s services. Foster parents are always needed for placing children ages 0-15 in homes. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact Shawna, and she will walk you through the process. In addition, Boyz 2 Men is always in need of donations for foster children, such as clothing, shoes, diapers, and baby wipes. Monetary donations are also always needed and welcome.
Shawna’s work with underprivileged youth has made a difference in the lives she’s touched as well as in the collective community. She sees the big picture and
understands what this community needs, and the impact of her work is evident across the city. Healing takes time, change takes time, and Shawna is in it for the long haul as she anticipates a future where all community members are empowered contributors to a healthy city.
For more information on Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc., or to sign up to become a volunteer, visit their Facebook pages @Boyz2mendevelopmentinc and @ boyz2mendevelopmentfostercareservices.
