Success Stories
Helping Boys Become Men
Willie Booker of Life Guidance Service’s Wellness and Prevention Programs describes Rites of Passage as “life enrichment for 9 to 13 year old boys, getting them ready for middle and high school.” Over the course of his 16-year involvement in the 12-week program, Willie has seen everyone benefit from the program. Young African American males increase their knowledge of African American history, community, faith, and family relationships. Some of the children in the program say things like “I learned to choose a good path… I want to go to college and get a good job.” “It helps me think better… about more positive things... “It helps me stay out of trouble.” The boys ceremonially cross over the bridge into manhood at the completion of the program.