By Brandon Seng
ConnectMichigan Alliance

Six young men have recently found their way onto the honor roll for the very first time in the Middle Schools of Kentwood Michigan.  Behind this group of ambitious youngsters lies a common factor contributing to their success.  Positive male mentors have been regularly meeting with Kentwood’s middle school boys, and the results are beginning to be seen.

Bill Joseph has had experience in mentoring for over 30 years.  Influenced by what he saw during frequent visits to area schools, Joseph began voluntarily reaching out to 7th and 8th graders as a mentor in the late 1990’s.  He has since inspired more than 40 men in the Kentwood area to become mentors, and has started what is now one of the most successful male mentoring programs in the state.

From continual observation, Bill saw what he describes as a severe attitude change in local children between elementary and middle school.  “They became different children,” he recalls, “almost overnight.”  Once a week, Joseph began taking an hour off of work to meet with a group of 23 middle school boys.  For an hour they would discuss life lessons, including subjects like character, integrity, behavior, and homework. 

“I began to see results from this program, and with them, started seeking help from others in the community.”  Johnson soon partnered with the owner of a local Burger King, and his weekly group began discussing issues over donated burgers and fries.  Johnson expressed his feelings that these students are the future of the community, and the collective responsibility of all Kentwood residents.

As a current member of two Kentwood School Boards, Bill describes himself as being very involved.  “It does no good to pass legislation and not know why you are doing it.  By being involved I can see the issues.” 

Young men need a positive male role model, and Johnson was determined to provide the future of Kentwood with this resource.  Mentors come away from the experience with new insight as well.  Several mentors have commented that they were unaware of the difficult issues that their mentees were being faced with.

The Kentwood Mentoring Program now serves young men in three middle schools in the community.  The ethnically diverse group of students in Kentwood requires an ethnically diverse group of mentors.  The program draws on mentors mainly from African American dissent, but also has Hispanic and Caucasian mentors available in schools. 

When asked about his recruiting secrets, Johnson ensures that it is no secret at all.  Individuals in the community, he says, are waiting for these programs.  “How can I help?” is the question he receives most.  To learn about what you can do to mentor in similar programs around the state, visit www.mentormichigan.org.