Be a Donor. Help Boys Become Men.
The mentors and partners of YMG are committed to a holistic approach to teaching Leadership Development, Life Skills, advocacy for Social and Emotional Health, and curriculum-based Financial Literacy components while requiring hours of engagement to give back to one's community; this has been our call to action to the combat the current crisis in our communities and the lives of our young black males today. We understand that it takes a village, so we are also asking you to answer the call.
Our Mission
Interested in getting involved?
We would love to hear from you and how you would like to help!
Our Areas of Focus
Our main key areas of focus are Leadership Development, Basic Financial Literacy, Social and Emotional Health, and Community Engagement.
We Believe these 4 components are integral for our Young Men to embrace in their learning journey to help them grow into the best versions of themselves.
Leadership Development and Life Skills
Throughout the year, we will focus on providing as many resources and community partnerships as possible to provide enrichment opportunities for our Young Men that will encourage goal setting, thinking outside the box, and new ideas and concepts that will help build character, goal setting and organizational skills and leadership skills.
Social and Emotional Health and Advocacy
The mentors of YMG are certified life coaches. This allows them to go beyond the surface to provide guidance and support. We take a barbershop approach to real life discussions and current events while identifying their emotions while offering tools and healthy ways to express the.
Financial Literacy and Enrichment
Our financial literacy portion consists of our very own curriculum designed with young black men in mind that also aligns with the Ohio Department of Education’s standards for financial literacy for both middle school and high school. We also partner with local financial institutions to provide additional education and support that reinforces the importance of learning financial concepts and how money works.
Community Engagement
Throughout the year we focus on providing as many cultural opportunities as possible to connect the Young Men to their communities while teaching them the importance of being pillars of influence. We engage in hours of community service with our community clean up initiative and with local partners.
YMG In Action
Check out what we’ve been up to. Stay plugged in on all of our social media outlets to follow our journey!
How Lives are Being Impacted
More Patient and Better Decisions
Young Men Growing has helped me prosper as a young man. Over the course of the program I became much more patient, I made better decisions, I was much more laser focused and my attitude improved greatly. Forever grateful to the YMG family for mentoring me and treating me as one of their own.
Jeremy T.
Building Futures. Creating a Legacy.
Young Men Growing endeavors to have a significant effect on the community by concentrating on something that has not typically received enough attention: the growth and development of young African-American males. This group is among the most underserved in our society, especially in the context of our local public schools. The programs that Young Men Growing offers are unparalleled in this community. They not only focus on the development of life skills that are essential for these young men to navigate high school and the path beyond but also delve deeper into personal development, leading young men to think about who they are, who they want to be, and how to make choices that will impact their lives in a positive way.
Eriebank is grateful for the opportunity to partner with such an impactful organization. Together, we are not just building futures but creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and positive change in the lives of these young men and the broader community.
Kevin Dixon
Community Responsibility Officer, Erie Bank
Ascension in Their Maturity
It has been a pleasure to witness the growth within the YMG organization over the last year alone. The level of focus and commitment the kids have brought each and every session shows the ascension in their maturity. They have been patient, allowing themselves to go through the maturation process leading to better decisions being made and improved attitudes.
Ishmieal K.
Remarkable Impact
As a partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact that YMG has on our community, particularly in addressing the crucial need for strong black male role models. Gary Hicks Sr. and Cameron Mathis exemplify transformational leadership in their commitment to improving the lives of young men in Cleveland. Their focus on countering the adverse effects of the absence of strong black male role models is both profound and necessary. Through their innovative programs, YMG not only provides mentorship but also empowers young men to excel in various aspects of their lives. Our partnership with YMG has been incredibly rewarding. We have seen young men engage with our organization through multiple Cavaliers games, where they have gained valuable insights into careers, leadership, and life skills. These experiences are instrumental in teaching them how to thrive, rather than merely survive. I wholeheartedly support Young Men Growing and their mission. The work they do is essential in building a strong, supportive community for our youth. As we continue to collaborate with YMG, we look forward to being an integral part of the collective effort required to nurture and raise our young men to their fullest potential. In Partnership,
Scott MacDonald
Sr. Director, Cavs Youth Sports Partnerships