The Boyz Are Back: Youth-Tales/Human Interest Stories

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Called to Make a Difference"

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Top: Youth listen to executive director Marcus Stevenson as he presents "If You Give Up Now, You'll Have No Future" at the Education & Sports Clinic.

Bottom: Murray Miller, a Boyz's co-founder and board member, leads a workshop on "Drug Awareness" at the Education & Sports Clinic.

Youth-Tales

Stories of Changed Lives

Two Days May Make A Life-long Difference

Two days altered the perspective and perhaps the future of Andrew* forever.

What happened in those two days? He attended the Education & Sports Clinic sponsored by The Boyz Are Back Inc., hosted by brothers and NFL players Germane and Angelo Crowell. Andrew not only received sports instruction but also inspiration, encouragement, and wisdom. Most importantly, he found a group of people who seemed to understand him and care about his future.

The days began with an early morning bus ride from his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the campus of Forsyth Country Day School in suburban Lewisville. Andrew observed football demonstrations by the Crowell brothers. He participated in football drills. He also attended workshops where he learned about setting academic and professional goals, staying focused on these goals, and keeping healthy by eating properly and shunning drugs and alcohol.

At the end of the two-day session, Andrew was offered the chance to continue his association with The Boyz through its mentoring program. He decided to stick with the group.

The Boyz’s strategy of staying connected to youth during the school year motivates youth to improve academic performance and conduct.

Board members and volunteers provide quarterly follow-up on school performance and behavior for each youth participant (with signed permission from their parents). Group outings for community service, discussion sessions, and enrichment activities are also part of the mentoring process.

Before becoming involved with The Boyz, Andrew stayed in trouble at school and had poor grades. Now, he has a positive outlook on life. He stays focused. He encourages his classmates to excel and stresses the importance of education to professional success. His grades have improved significantly.

His single-parent mother credits his turnaround to The Boyz: “During my involvement as well as my child’s involvement with The Boyz R Back organization, I can only give high praise. The change in my child’s behavior and outlook on life was incredible and this can only be credited to the organization, their workshops, and their ability in counseling our youth.”

In addition to Andrew, ninety-seven youth attended the two-day camp in June 2003. This year, three days of camp are scheduled and The Boyz hope to serve 150 youth.

Editor’s note: *Andrew's name has been changed to protect his privacy. In some cases, a young person may need professional counseling; The Boyz connects youth and their parents to those who can help.