Vision Statement:

 

Handy Blessed Hands Youth Mentoring Program (HBHYMP) is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young males, aged 13 to 17, with essential life skills through hands-on trade experience and personal development. Our mentees work diligently on diverse projects, ranging from plumbing to landscaping, car maintenance to junk hauling, demolition to pressure washing. By offering practical learning opportunities, we equip these young individuals to become well-rounded and confident adults, prepared for a successful future.

 

From humble beginnings in a garage, we evolved into a powerful force for positive change. Our mentorship meetings, held every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 12 pm to 2 pm, have become a haven for growth and transformation. Engaging with dedicated mentors, our mentees find guidance to stay on the right path, while our involvement in their schooling has sparked remarkable improvements in their grades and lives. We embrace the philosophy of recognizing and rewarding progress, inspiring our mentees to excel academically and personally.

 

Beyond the walls of the classroom, our program embraces the spirit of adventure. Regular outings offer opportunities for experiential learning, instilling values of responsibility and nurturing a sense of camaraderie among our youth. These past outings have included skating, bowling, youth retreats, brothers' dinner, date nights, Hand Blessed Hands picnics, mom and son dances, mother's day brunches, paintball wars, and mini-bike classes. Such experiences broaden their horizons and provide them with diverse life experiences, fostering a sense of joy and unity within the program.

 

Classes:

 

1. Basic Plumbing: In this class, mentees will learn essential plumbing skills, from pipe fittings to fixing leaks, providing them with valuable knowledge for various plumbing projects.

2. Landscaping: Mentees will delve into the world of landscaping, mastering techniques in gardening, lawn care, and beautifying outdoor spaces.

3. Brakes: This class will teach mentees the fundamentals of automotive brakes, enabling them to perform brake repairs and maintenance with confidence.

4. T-shirt Press/Cups/Pens/Hats: Through this class, mentees will explore the art of custom printing, creating personalized designs on various materials like t-shirts, cups, pens, and hats.

5. Demolition/Junk Haul: Mentees will gain hands-on experience in demolition and junk hauling, developing skills in responsible waste management and environmental consciousness.

6. TV Installation: In this class, mentees will become proficient in TV installation techniques, allowing them to set up and troubleshoot televisions with precision.

 

Dreams:

 

The dreams of CEO and founder, Bryant Sparrow, Sr., for HBHYMP extend far beyond the present. He envisions offering these young individuals experiences beyond their current surroundings, planning trips to places like Alabama or a 4-day cruise, broadening their horizons and exposing them to new possibilities. His ultimate vision is to expand the program's reach beyond the walls of the current setting and see it established in churches, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for the mentees. Bryant believes that investing time and effort in the next generation is the key to growth, just like fishing where we may not catch every fish, but the impact on even a few can save our children and shape a brighter future.

 

Purpose:

 

At Handy Blessed Hands, our purpose is twofold: to provide youth with invaluable trade skills and to guide them towards positive personal growth. Through engaging in meaningful projects and mentorship, we strive to keep our mentees off the streets, fostering an environment where they learn to conduct themselves with integrity in public settings. Our commitment is to establish a familial atmosphere where trust, transparency, and active listening are at the core of our approach. We are dedicated to transforming one youth's mindset at a time, holding them accountable, and encouraging consistency in their endeavors.

 

By keeping our mentees busy with constructive activities, we aim to divert them from potential negative influences on the streets. Through a "work hard, play hard" philosophy, we offer not only skills training but also recreational outings, broadening their horizons and providing them with diverse life experiences. Our ultimate goal is to empower these young men to embrace their full potential, leading them towards a brighter future as responsible and impactful members of society.

 

Our vision extends beyond individual growth; we aspire to evolve HBHYMP into a dedicated school, providing an enriched learning environment that nurtures dreams and aspirations. By instilling values of responsibility, accountability, and resilience, we aim to prepare our students for success in entrepreneurship, the workforce, or higher education. Through this transformation, we envision creating a lasting legacy of empowered leaders, positively influencing their communities and effecting meaningful change.

 

As we embark on this journey, we seek the support of this substantial grant to materialize our vision, turning Handy Blessed Hands Youth Mentoring Program into an institution that uplifts and empowers the next generation, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our community.