What an incredible way to wrap up the year! 🌊✨

The Battle Ready Men just returned from an epic year-end trip to Kalahari Waterpark, and it was nothing short of legendary. We had 13 boys ready for action, diving into all the indoor thrills, wild rides, and non-stop gaming. It was a blast seeing everyone push their limits and just have a great time together.

We stayed in the ultimate "Big Room"—a massive suite of 5 connected rooms, each with its own private bathroom. It was the perfect home base for us to relax, recharge, and keep the brotherhood strong.

So many memories were made and so much laughter was shared. Here’s to finishing the year strong and looking forward to what’s next for the crew!

Exciting times at Battle Ready Men as our middle schoolers dive into the art of cursive writing for the very first time! ✍️ It's amazing to see their enthusiasm and determination as they master this classic skill. Watching them connect with tradition while enhancing their handwriting is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work, young writers!

Today, Battle Ready Men had an impactful session on cyberbullying led by our mentor, Mr. Raquaan. He tackled important topics including online bullying, pornography, and making wise choices in today's digital world. Because so many of our young men spend time on social media, we believe these conversations are essential to helping them navigate the internet safely and with integrity. We are grateful for mentors who are willing to address difficult issues with honesty, wisdom, and compassion. Together, we're equipping the next generation to be strong leaders both online and offline.

This evening's discussion highlighted the significance of hygiene, including personal cleanliness and showering, as well as the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene through regular visits to the dentist.

Our session with the mentees this week focused on relationships. Conflicts are inevitable, but how do we respond: do we terminate the relationship abruptly or communicate to determine if the offender unintentionally caused offense?

Small Groups work best because they allow everyone to be heard and have a voice.

What an evening! With the school break providing extra time, we utilized the opportunity to bond with our mentees over a game of bowling.

Battle Ready Men is proud to celebrate our boys for their hard work and dedication by treating our mentees to Dave & Buster’s for earning excellent 1st-quarter report cards! 🎉📚

This special outing is our way of affirming their commitment to academic excellence and positive growth. We’re building strong, confident young men—one milestone at a time.

Battle Ready Men recently completed our third annual trip to Washington, D.C., creating memories that will last a lifetime. The group explored the powerful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument and the inspiring National Museum of African American History and Culture. Without the presence of sisters or parents, the boys had a unique opportunity to bond, reflect, and grow together as young men. Every photo captured during the trip was taken through the eyes of our youth, giving a fresh and personal perspective of the experience. This journey was more than a trip—it was a step toward leadership, brotherhood, and self-discovery.

Our Battle Ready boys hit the JMA Dome for Syracuse University’s Spring football game and had a blast! From meeting Otto to collecting autographs and enjoying game day snacks, it was an unforgettable experience. 💪🍊 Watching them bond and have fun outside their usual routine was a joy. Big thanks to everyone who made this outing possible!

The Battle Ready Men mentoring program emphasizes that true responsibility begins at home, where character is shaped and values are instilled. By fostering accountability in our families, we empower our youth to carry that same commitment into their schools and communities.

Each young man learns that leadership isn't just about authority; it's about being a dependable presence for others. Together, we cultivate a generation that understands the profound impact of responsibility, creating ripples of positive change far beyond their immediate surroundings.

Today, we had the privilege of celebrating the incredible efforts of our Battle Ready Men mentees! This special outing was reserved for those who stepped up and completed the rough draft of their Black History Month assignment—an achievement worth recognizing.

We kicked off the day with a fun and meaningful meal at Johnny Rockets, starting with a prayer and sharing laughter over good food. From there, we headed to the movies to watch Captain America, featuring Anthony Mackie—a true example of Black excellence in action.

We were thrilled to welcome two new members and a new intern to our team, bringing incredible energy and fresh perspectives. As we step into Black History Month, we’re excited to educate and empower our mentees with Black leaders' rich history and contributions. This month, we also enjoyed celebrating a birthday, adding to the excitement. The year is off to a great start, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

🎉 Game Night Fun with Battle Ready Men! 🎲

Last week, our mentees brought their A-game to Game Night, and the energy was off the charts! 🙌 The boys went head-to-head in foosball, showed off their skills in ping pong, laid down some serious strategy in UNO, and had a blast stacking (and toppling!) Jenga towers. 🃏🏓🏆

It wasn’t just about the games – it was about bonding, laughter, and building brotherhood. These young men remind us that life is better when we play together and learn together. 💪✨

Shoutout to everyone who made this night possible – you're the real MVPs! 🏅 Can’t wait for the next one. What game should we add next time? Drop your suggestions below! ⬇️

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Rise ABOVE Poverty's Youth Initiatives Fall Kick-off Event on September 16 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm! We’ll have inflatables, games, and door prizes to ensure a fun-filled time for everyone. Savor delicious food provided by Who Want Smoke, making it a delightful experience for all ages Connect with program leaders, mentors, and other families, and discover how our initiatives for today’s youth. Don't miss this exciting celebration of community, support, and growth!

Productive excursion to Washington D.C. with the mentees, offering valuable cultural and educational experiences, as well as opportunities to foster meaningful connections with peers. We visited the Museum of African-American History and Culture and for a little dinner and recreation Dave & Buster’s.

For today’s session at Battle Ready Men, we welcome Jamal Finch barber and owner of “Cut From A Different Cloth”. Jamal shared with our mentees his career path that led him to become a License Barber and eventually become an owner. Our mentees asked questions and was surprised to learn that Jamal has to serve as an apprentice for two years before becoming a Master barber.

Oh, did I mention he provided t-shirts from his shop?

Excited to hear what our mentees learned about their Black History subject tonight. This assignment is a prerequisite to attending our trip to Washington D.C. and the African-American Museum. Our program, PDA's {Personal Development Assignment} is designed to enrich their learning and development as young African-American men.

We always begin our mentoring session with the young men on the topic of respect. It’s a topic many of them have heard of, but all too often they have no idea how it applies in their lives. We start with the basics what does “respect” mean?

Come out and learn about our program and how we can help the adolescent in your life become Battle Ready.

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